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NEWS RELEASE
From the office of Jean Lambert, London's Green MEP
Immediate Release: 21 February 2008
European Parliament votes to lift blockade on Gaza
The European
Parliament today voted in favour of an all-party resolution calling on the
Israeli Government to lift restrictions on movement across the Israel-Gaza
border.
Commenting
on the result, Jean Lambert MEP, who recently returned from a fact-finding
mission to Israel and Gaza, said:
"I am
pleased that parliament has taken such as strong stance on this issue. As a
result of the blockade the people of Gaza are facing a humanitarian crisis.
"There are
insufficient drugs available in hospitals to provide basic care and in some
areas food assistance only fulfils about two-thirds of daily requirements. The
fishing industry, which employed about 10,000 people, is under severe stress as
boats cannot stray far from the coast.
"An
ecological disaster could also be imminent as the Beit Lahia sewage plant in
Gaza is failing, but essential maintenance supplies cannot be obtained.
Businesses cannot survive and the unemployed are having to find work with the
smugglers and extremists.
"While the
rocket attacks on Israel continue, the few armed militants involved threaten the
peace and the future of the many, both Israeli and Palestinian. Hamas must stop
the perpetrators and Israel must recognise that the current siege will not aid
long-term security."
ENDS
For more
information please contact: Georgina Bloomfield, Media Officer
Tel: 020
7407 6280
Email:
media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk
www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
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