EP Delegation to Gaza expresses its shock and dismay after witnessing scenes of destruction

from International Solidarity Movement

MEPs of the Delegation say they are: “shocked and dismayed at the scenes of wanton destruction witnessed in Gaza” on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 February. A working group of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council, led by Kyriakos Triantaphyllides (GUE-CY), visited Ramallah and Gaza from 11-13 February.

Coming back from Gaza, the delegation declared:

The Delegation calls for the immediate opening of all crossings for people, goods and humanitarian aid in order to alleviate the on-going and continuing suffering of the civilian population in Gaza and to allow the reconstruction of infrastructure. UNRWA informed MEPs that closures are still ongoing and that food and medicines are not yet sufficient to meet the needs of the population.

MEPs expressed support for the calls made for an inquiry into possible war-crimes committed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). The Delegation witnessed scenes of the “deliberate” targeting and destruction by troops on the ground and air forces of Gazan infrastructure - industrial zones, schools, and, indeed, a hospital and civilian homes.

The Delegation is appalled by the heavy death toll of the civilian population, particularly women and children.

Luisa Morgantini, Vice President of the EP participating to this delegation, reaffirmed “the absolute necessity of an inquiry able to individuate the responsibilities by the Israeli Government and army for the violations of international conventions and for the war crimes witnessed by the delegation: killings of civilians, destruction of all infrastructure, Hospitals, mosques, houses and industrial areas”.

Backing for a future National Unity Government:

During the meetings held with representatives from all the political and elected authorities, the Delegation was made aware of the common desire of all factions to create a “National Unity Government”. MEPs ask the European Council to cooperate with a future national unity government. They also ask it to work together with the other members of the Quartet to find a lasting solution.

Members of the delegation:  Trianraphyllides Kyriacos (GUE-CY), Proinsias de Rossa (PES, IE), Frieda Brepoels (EPP-ED, BE), Chris Davies (ALDE, UK), Jill Evans (Greens/EFA, UK) and Luisa Morgantini (GUE/NGL, IT).