The British government has prevented a Palestinian American designer and activist from entering the country to address a charity event. Mo Hamzeh, who serves as vice-chair and trustee for the Sun of Freedom charity, was scheduled to speak at a London fundraiser for Gaza on Friday. He intended to fly to Britain on Wednesday but discovered that his Electronic Travel Authorisation, which had been approved weeks earlier, had been revoked.
Hamzeh shared a screenshot of a government message stating that his presence in the UK was not conducive to the public good. In response, he announced plans to launch a legal challenge against the decision. He described the cancellation as baseless, noting that it was communicated without specific reasons, evidence, or an opportunity for him to respond.
The advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel reported that it submitted a report to the Home Office on October 19. The group described the ban as a welcome step to protect the public from what it termed extremist rhetoric and antisemitic hatred. Chris Philp, a Conservative MP and shadow home secretary, had urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ban Hamzeh on October 30.
Hamzeh’s clothing line, sold online to support the charity, includes a T-shirt with a lengthy slogan. The text describes Israel as a genociding and apartheid ethno-state that outshames the Nazis. It also addresses western cucks who bend the knee for it all. Another design features an inverted red triangle. Philp claimed this symbol is closely associated with Hamas, while Hamzeh stated it represents Palestinian statehood.
Philp told the home secretary that Hamzeh’s clothing displays extremist slogans and symbols. He argued that equating Israel’s actions in Gaza to those of the Nazis is incompatible with United Kingdom values. Hamzeh countered that while Israeli soldiers who participated in genocide roam London freely, he is barred from attending a fundraiser that provides lifesaving food and water to families in Gaza.
The charity event, titled Palestine: A Journey Through Heritage and Hope, described itself as an immersive evening celebrating Palestinian culture, art, and food. Hamzeh is based in New Jersey and comes from a family expelled during the 1948 Nakba. The Sun of Freedom charity previously stated that it rejects antisemitism and the targeting of Jewish people, as well as violence against civilians.
A Home Office spokesperson said the department does not routinely comment on individual cases. However, they affirmed their commitment to tackling antisemitism and having no tolerance for those who spread hatred or threaten communities. Earlier this year, the British government also banned American commentators Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur, reportedly over their criticisms of Israel.
UK Lawyers for Israel, founded in 2011, has been active in pressing individuals and organizations that criticize Israeli policies. The European Legal Support Centre notes that the group appears 128 times in its Britain Index of Repression database. The centre argues that UK Lawyers for Israel has helped create a chilling environment where lawful Palestine-related activity is often withdrawn due to fears of legal escalation.
Hamzeh said he has always advocated for his people’s freedom against Israel’s decades-long occupation and land theft. He believes his stand has resulted in punishment and silenced speech. He added that he will pursue every legal means to overturn what he calls an unjust and dehumanising decision.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in the UK regarding the entry of pro-Palestinian advocates. As Hamzeh prepares his legal challenge, the focus remains on the balance between public good assessments and the rights of activists to participate in charitable events in Britain.
