Barred by Israel, Irish FM, Michael Martin, Enters Gaza Via Egypt

Published yesterday (updated) 26/02/2010 10:28

Gaza – Ma’an –

Irish Foreign Minister Michael Martin arrived in Gaza on Thursday via the Egyptian controlled Rafah crossing after Israel denied him entry to the costal territory.

A Palestinian official at the Rafah crossing said Martin was joined by a 10-member delegation. The group was escorted in UN vehicles to the UN compound in Gaza city.

In a brief interview, Martin told Ma’an that he came to Gaza to “see for myself” what had transpired in the Strip, which was the target of a three-week military campaign by Israel last year.

Martin, who is known as a critic of the Israeli-led blockade of Gaza, said Israel had given “no good reason” for denying him entry to the enclave.

He also criticized Israel’s eviction of Palestinians from their homes in Jerusalem, house demolition, and arbitrary detention. He also demanded a halt to the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Martin arrived in Gaza amid a row between Ireland and Israel over allegation that Irish passports were used in a Mossad assassination of a senior Hamas figure in Dubai last month.

According to Dubai authorities, as many as 20 Irish passports were used in the killing of Mahmoud Al-Mabhouh, who was born in Gaza and exiled by Israel to Syria. Ireland summoned the Israeli ambassador in Dublin last week seeking answers in the matter.

Irish Officials Enter Gaza

Thursday February 25, 2010 13:07 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

A group of Irish officials, headed by the Irish Foreign Minister, Michael Martin, arrived in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning via the Rafah Border Terminal.

Authorities in Gaza confirmed that 10 individuals, led by Michael Martin, entered the Gaza Strip.

The Irish Foreign Minister said his first visit to Gaza is for observing the situation on the ground.

The officials will be visiting hospitals, schools, and heavily damaged areas.

Last Sunday, Martin accused Israel of preventing him from entering the Gaza Strip via the Erez Terminal, between Gaza and Israel.

He added that Israeli Authorities never presented a convincing reason for preventing entrance to Gaza.

Martin has made demands for Israel to cease its illegal construction of Jewish settlements in Jerusalem and the West Bank in addition to ending the illegal policies of home demolition and forced expulsion of residents.

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