Original article: «No es un caso aislado»: Comunidad y Embajada de Palestina en Chile condenan deportación de Israel a ciudadano chileno que se dirigía a territorio palestino

Palestinian Community and Embassy in Chile Condemn Israel’s Deportation of Chilean Citizen Heading to Palestine

The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Chile expressed its «deep concern» over the entry ban imposed by Israeli authorities on Chilean citizen of Arab descent, José Nicolás Khamis Thomas, who was en route to the State of Palestine.

From the diplomatic delegation, they reminded that the State of Palestine, «recognized by Chile in 2011 during President Piñera’s first term, does not control its land, sea, or air borders due to the illegal Israeli occupation, declared as such by UN Security Council Resolution 242 in 1967 and the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice in 2024.»

«Thus, those wishing to visit Palestine must necessarily go through controls administered by Israel,» stated the Palestinian embassy, denouncing this case as part of «a systematic practice affecting Chilean citizens of Arab descent in general, and Palestinian in particular, who, when attempting to visit Palestine, are subjected to entry bans, interrogations, degrading treatment, and humiliating situations at border crossings controlled by Israel.»

«This situation is particularly concerning, as it not only directly affects the citizens involved but also creates a deterrent effect on many Chilean citizens of Palestinian origin who wish to visit their homeland, reunite with family, or handle matters linked to properties they maintain in Palestine, but opt not to do so to avoid possible degrading treatment or potential entry bans or deportation,» they added.

Finally, the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Chile expressed «solidarity with José Nicolás Khamis Thomas, his family, and all Chilean citizens who have been affected by similar situations.»

«We reiterate the right of all Palestinians in the diaspora, as well as any person worldwide, to visit Palestine in full compliance with international law, which Israel systematically and flagrantly violates,» concluded the statement.

Palestinian Community in Chile: «This Is Not an Isolated Case»

For its part, the Palestinian Community in Chile cautioned that this incident «cannot be treated as a mere migration issue. It is also not an isolated case.»

«For decades, Chilean citizens, particularly those of Palestinian descent, have faced obstacles, interrogations, arbitrary denials, and discriminatory treatment when attempting to enter Palestine, as all border crossings and airports are controlled by Israel,» stated the community, also in a public declaration.

«Despite having an approved electronic visa and initially receiving authorization for a three-month stay, José Nicolás was subjected to interrogations, phone and social media checks, entry denial, detention in degrading conditions, and subsequent expulsion to Amsterdam,» they reported.

What About the Chilean Government?

The Palestinian Community in Chile pointed out that so far, «there have been no known proportional diplomatic measures or reciprocity actions taken by the Chilean Government in response to these incidents.»

«This is not even about Chile’s stance on Israel or Palestine. It is about something much more basic: the minimum duty of any state to guarantee equality for all its citizens,» they reminded.

«So far, the Government has limited itself to making gestures in favor of a government under investigation for genocide and led by a Prime Minister facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Among these gestures is a break from the historical position of the State of Chile, expressed in the change of voting in international organizations regarding the implementation of international humanitarian law,» added the community’s statement.

We will continue to provide updates.