Parliamentarians and Activists Urge European Parliament to Hasten Reconstruction of Gaza

A delegation of European parliamentarians and activists called on the European Union to take urgent measures to expedite the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip after the widespread destruction caused by Israel’s 23 day war.
The parliamentary delegation met with Dr Hans-Gert Pöttering the head of the parliament at its headquarters in Brussels following an initiative by the Palestinian Return Centre, London, and the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza. The meeting discussed the Israeli aggression which led to the destruction of thousands homes, leaving tens of thousands homeless and displaced.
The parliamentary delegation headed by the British peer Lord Nazir Ahmad urged the European parliament to take immediate steps to reconstruct the territory either through coordination with the elected government in Gaza or relevant international agencies.
The delegation also urged the European parliamentary head to engage in direct and meaningful dialogue with all the Palestinian parties and avoid attempts to strengthen one party at the expense of the other, especially as the destruction does not allow further delay.
The delegation also called on the European Union to commence legal prosecution of Israeli officials for war crimes committed in their campaign which left 1,330 dead and 5,300 injured.
The delegation briefed Dr Pöttering on the visit undertaken to the Gaza Strip by a parliamentary delegation in November 2008. They described in detail the catastrophic humanitarian which resulted in hundreds of deaths caused by the denial of basic medicines.
The delegation which included Dr Arafat Madi, Executive Director of the Palestinian Return Centre, London and Mr Adil Abdullah, Secretary General of the European Campaign stressed the urgent need for total end to the illegal siege of Gaza and a permanent opening of the border crossings.
On his part Dr Pöttering expressed his full understanding of the concerns raised noting that, ‘if there were violations of humanitarian laws there must be thorough investigation.’