A majority of Knesset members signed a petition urging the government to refrain from deporting Sudanese refugees to Egypt until safe haven is found for them elsewhere.
As many as 1,400 refugees have reached Israel, crossing from their war torn homeland through Egypt. They fear return to Egypt, where they report abuse and in some cases killings by authorities.
Students from Jerusalem and Beersheva initiated the petition, Ha’aretz reported Friday, and obtained the signatures of 63 of 120 lawmakers in the Knesset. Signatories range from Effi Eitam of the right-wing National Religious Party to Dov Khenin of Hadash, formerly the Communist Party and include leaders of the Likud and Labor parties.
