Human rights groups have alleged that both Israel and Hamas committed war crimes during Israel's three-week offensive against Gaza, which ended a year ago. Among other things, Israel was cited for firing white phosphorous flares, which can cause horrific burns.
Click here to read the complete article by AP on Ha'aretz, 16th Jan 2010
Press TV report : MP's wrap up visit to Gaza, 17th Jan
PRESS RELEASE by Lord Ahmed, 18th January 2010 :
The EU Parliamentary Delegation to Gaza returned Monday after a successful four day visit. The delegation was comprised of 60 individuals of which 50 were MPs, MEPs, and Lords representing 13 different European countries. The British delegation was led by Sir Gerald Kaufman MP. The EU Parliamentary Delegation visited devastated areas of Gaza where they met with women and children who were victims of Israeli aggression last year. Many of whom spoke of witnessing the shooting and maiming of family members. Lord Ahmed stated, "Israel is refusing to allow essential materials in to rebuild the devastated areas of Gaza. There is a complete blockade on cement, steel, and bricks, as well as food, medicines, and petrol. Even UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees] is not allowed to import desks for schoolchildren and equipment to carry out essential repairs to their own offices". John Gring, the UNRWA representative, told the delegation, "Not a single dollar from the $4.5 billion that was pledged in Sharm el-Sheikh for Gaza last year, has actually reached Gaza. Out of the 1.5 million population, over 750,000 are children under 18, who are facing a collective imprisonment by the Israelis." According to the United Nations, there are over 300,000 individuals who are destitute and 80% who are dependent on the UN's food-aid program. The delegation met with the Palestinian Legislative Council members and Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
The European Parliamentarians also met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Speaker of Parliament, and Mr. Amer Mousa, the Secretary General of the Arab League in Cairo. They asked Egypt not to build the 40ft steel underground wall to block the tunnels, which are currently bringing essential food supplies to the Palestinian people. Lord Ahmed asked Amer Mousa, Secretary General of the Arab League, to visit Gaza and see the devastation for himself, showing solidarity with the Palestinian people under siege.
Many members of the delegation felt that there should not be a special code for Israel in EU and that trade sanctions should be considered. Sir Gerald Kaufman, leader of the British Parliamentary Delegation, vowed to continue putting pressure on Parliaments and governments in Europe, to find an urgent solution to the problem and a way forward, so that the Palestinian people can live a life of normalcy.
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham
House of Lords
Westminster
London
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