US Congressmen, Stephen Lynch and Bob Inglis, Visit Gaza, Decry Humanitarian Situation

Two more US congressmen visit Gaza; decry humanitarian situation

Date: 10 / 04 / 2009 Time: 10:24
Bethlehem - Ma’an -

US Congressmen Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.) and Bob Inglis (R-SC) were the latest American representatives to enter Gaza Wednesday; there have been five visits by US officials since newly elected President Barack Obama took office.

Head of the Foreign Relations Committee and US Senator John Kerry travelled to Gaza with two Democratic congressmen, Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Brian Baird of Washington. The three were, like Lynch and Inglis, given tours of the devastation caused by Israel’s war on the coastal area in December and January.

The visits are sparking rumors of tension between the liberal Obama administration and the new right-wing Israeli government.

Inglis and Lynch visited as guests of the Catholic Relief group and said they had no intention of visiting any Hamas affiliates.

According to AP, Lynch commented during his visit that the world must find a way to address a "legitimate humanitarian crisis" in Gaza.

"We need to act with some urgency here. There is a humanitarian crisis going on and we can't dawdle," he added.

Former US Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney attempted to travel to Gaza by sea in December, but the ship was rammed by an Israeli gunboat and diverted to Lebanon.

In 2008, former US President Jimmy Carter was denied permission to enter Gaza by the Israeli government. Carter did meet Hamas officials in Syria and Egypt.

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