European Parliament Calls for International Effort to End the Brutal Israeli Blockade of Gaza

European Parliament Calls for International End to Blockade on Gaza

[ 18/06/2010 - 10:18 AM ]

STRASBOURG, (PIC)--

The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg for its June session, called for an international and impartial inquiry into Israel's attack on a humanitarian flotilla, the opening of all crossing points to and from Gaza and an immediate end to the brutal Israeli blockade on Gaza in a resolution passed on Thursday. MEPs also advocate reshaping the EU's Middle East policy, to make it more decisive.

Israel should immediately end the Gaza blockade, which has resulted in a humanitarian disaster, paralyzed the Gaza Strip's reconstruction and economy and aggravated political radicalisation, say MEPs. At the same time, they call on EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to submit an EU plan to the Quartet to help end the blockade.

To address Israel's security concerns, MEPs proposed international monitoring of the crossings, including the re-activation of the EU Border Assistance Mission (EU-BAM). Parliament called on Hamas to stop all attacks against Israel immediately, and also to free Gilad Shalit, the Israeli sergeant kidnapped by Hamas in 2006 and held incommunicado ever since.

The EU-Israel Association Council and the EU-Palestinian Authority Joint Committee should be convened to discuss the current the Middle East crisis, adds the resolution.

The resolution was approved in a roll-call vote, with 470 votes in favour, 56 against and 56 abstentions.

European parliament to vote on resolution condemning Israel

[ 17/06/2010 - 08:50 AM ]

STRASBOURG, (PIC)--

The European parliament intends to vote on a draft resolution on Thursday condemning the Israeli occupation forces deadly attack on Freedom Flotilla convoy and demanding an end to the blockade on the impoverished Gaza Strip.

According to Quds Press, the draft resolution is calling for taking all necessary measures to make sure that the investigation into the attack on the convoy will be transparent and impartial.

The resolution demands the European commission president and the high representative for foreign affairs to urgently submit a plan to the international quartet including mechanisms to end the siege, open the crossings and secure a maritime passage to Gaza.

It also stresses the need for restructuring the European role in the Middle East to be more politically effective and sound.

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