Local MEP calls for an end to Gaza conflict.

3.09.00pm GMT Mon 5th Jan 2009

Liz Lynne, the LibDem MEP for the West Midlands, has today called for an immediate cease fire between the Israeli army and Hamas militants in Gaza.

Israeli armed forces crossed the border into the Palestinian territory two days ago in response to mortar attacks by Hamas from within Gaza. So far an estimated 500 people have been killed due to Israel's incursion including many women and children. Five Israeli civilians have also been killed in Southern Israel by the Hamas rocket attacks.

Liz Lynne, who is a member of the European Parliament's Sub- Committee on Human Rights, has been a long time campaigner on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In February of last year Liz tabled a strongly worded resolution in the Parliament highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for scrupulous adherence to human rights and international humanitarian law in the area, whilst calling on all sides to renounce violence;

Speaking today Liz condemned the Israeli army's actions but also called for Hamas to end its attacks.

Liz said:

"The Israeli response to the rocket attacks launched from within Gaza has been disproportionate and deadly. Israel has the right to defend itself, but its current actions are not defence they are revenge. For every Israeli killed by Hamas militants they have claimed the lives of one hundred Palestinians including women and children.

"Such terrible retribution will do nothing but increase the number of young men and women who choose to join terrorist actions against Israel.

Liz also commented on the proposed changes to the EU/ Israel agreement on Israel's access to EU funding. In December last year the European Parliament voted to delay its decision on the protocol as many MEPs, including Liz, were not happy with the current wording of the agreement.

Liz said:

"It is very important that we ensure that any funding given by the EU to Israel is based on Israel's commitment to a peaceful conclusion to the Gaza question. It is unthinkable that at a time when Israeli tanks are rolling across Gaza's border the EU should continue to give them funding without a condition for a settlement attached.

"It is vital that Israel withdraws its troops from Gaza and returns to the path of diplomacy.

"We need to see a reopening of the Gaza border in order to allow vital medical and humanitarian supplies to enter the territory and to restart the economy in the territory.

"If we allow Gaza to become a land who's inhabitants can live safely, who do not live in fear of Israeli aggression and who are allowed to prosper, then the support among ordinary Palestinians for the radical extremists who would see Israel destroyed will vanish.

"However, it is also important that, if we are to see this happen, Hamas end their rocket attacks and put their faith in the power of diplomacy."

ENDS

Notes:

The full text of the Parliament resolution from February 2008 can be found at:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=MOTION&reference=P6-RC-2008-0066&language=EN