'Israel' denies entry to Italian peace activist priest Capovilla
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"Israel" denies entry to Italian priest Nandino Capovilla at Ben Gurion Airport ahead of his pilgrimage to Beit Lahm.
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Italian Catholic Priest Nandino Capovilla upon his return from occupied Palestine (Social media)
"Israel" has blocked the entry of Italian Catholic priest Nandino Capovilla on Monday, citing “public safety and public order” concerns, according to the Famiglia Cristiana magazine.
Capovilla, a 63-year-old from Marghera near Venice and a former national coordinator of Pax Christi Italia, arrived at Ben Gurion Airport as part of a group of 15 pilgrims led by Archbishop Giovanni Ricchiuti, president of Pax Christi Italia. The group’s destination was Beit Lahm, where they planned to visit Christian holy sites.
Upon arrival, Capovilla was detained for seven hours before being handed an official document denying his entry. Authorities later returned his personal belongings and mobile phone before deporting him to Greece.
Archbishop Ricchiuti, who led the pilgrimage, has also been a strong advocate for nonviolence and a critic of European militarization. Pax Christi, recognized by Pope Pius XII in 1952, campaigns globally for peace, human rights, and disarmament.
Outspoken critic of 'Israel'
Capovilla is widely known for his uncompromising criticism of "Israel’s" treatment of Palestinians. He has repeatedly accused "Israel" of committing genocide in Gaza and has also documented personal testimonies from residents of the enclave in his writings. He has shared frequent social media posts denouncing “the genocide of the Palestinian people.”
His book on life in Gaza describes Palestinians “surviving a massacre” and urges the world to bear witness before “human reason unravels.” Such positions have placed him among prominent European religious voices openly challenging "Israel’s" war crimes.
"Israel" has broad legal powers under its Entry into Israel Law to refuse entry to foreign nationals into the occupied territories over what it calls "security risks", including those accused of supporting boycotts. In recent years, these powers have been used against activists, NGO workers, lawmakers, and even Jewish figures critical of "Israel."
The Capovilla case comes at a time of deteriorating Italy-"Israel" relations amid the war on Gaza. Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has accused "Israel" of having "lost its reason and humanity" and floated possible sanctions. Several Italian regions, including Puglia, Emilia-Romagna, and Tuscany, have suspended cooperation with "Israel" over its war crimes in Gaza.
