Rap star Missy Elliot has defied pro-Palestinian protesters and landed in Israel ready for a much-anticipated performance.

Activists had launched a campaign to dissuade her from going and join musicians including Elvis Costello and the Pixies in boycotting shows there.

But the American singer has ignored this and is set to perform in Tel Aviv on Thursday, her first ever concert in Israel.

She is also said to be planning to visit the Western Wall and Dead Sea while in the country, before heading to Morocco for the next date of her European tour.

The Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East organisation had called unsuccessfully on her to cancel.

They said: “As a member of a visible minority, and someone who has long contributed to various social causes, Ms. Elliott may have a sensitivity to the plight of the oppressed.

A similar campaign in Bristol to prevent Johnny Rotten from playing in Israel has also failed; the punk musician said cancelling for political reasons would be “ignorant”.