Derry woman Martina Anderson has been barred from entering Gaza.
Ms Anderson, is one of three Sinn Féin MEPs on a European delegation visiting Palestine this week.
Durng the four day visit they will meet members of the Palestinian Legislative Council and the Knesset as well as activists from both Palestinian and Israeli human rights and peace organisations.
The group also planned to visit Gaza but have been refused entry by the Israeli government.
Ms Anderson hit out at the decision.
She said: “The Israeli government refused us, 13 MEPs from 6 countries, entry into Gaza on the grounds that our visit to the region is ‘not directly concerned with the provision of humanitarian assistance.’
“This is beyond irony considering that the horrific and harrowing humanitarian situation in Gaza is a direct result of Israel’s 53-day military attack on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in 2145 fatalities, including 581 children, not to mention Israel’s 8-year blockade of the region.
“We want to go to Gaza to assess the situation on the ground first hand.
“This would have enabled us to relay that information back to the European Parliament and push for greater provision of EU humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the blockade and occupation.”
Ms Anderson concluded: “We call on the Israeli authorities to overturn this decision and grant us access.”
The MEPs begin their visit today in Jerusalem meeting Israeli organisations including Rabbis for Peace, Breaking the Silence and Combatants for Peace.