Israel must listen to united voice of European Parliament and end 'collective punishment' of Gaza, says Liz Lynne MEP

12.00.00am GMT Thu 15th Jan 2009

LibDem Euro MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed an all party resolution passed by the European Parliament today calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution, which received almost unanimous backing by MEPs, expresses the Parliament's deep concern over the fighting and calls for an immediate end to hostilities in the region.

MEPs also underline the need for Israel to follow international law and allow the free access of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The resolution strongly criticises the continued embargo of people and goods from entering the territory, describing it as 'collective punishment' of Gaza's people in contravention of international humanitarian law.

The resolution also calls on Hamas to immediately end its rocket attacks on Southern Israel and commit to peaceful negotiations and the political process.

Speaking today Liz Lynne, who is a member of the European Parliament's Human Rights Sub- Committee, said that the compromise resolution made it clear that the Parliament does not tolerate continued fighting in Gaza. Liz said:

"Since the beginning of this conflict over 1000 people in Gaza have been killed including many innocent men and women and 300 children. This conflict simply has to stop. Israel is damaging its international reputation with its continued action within Gaza and is in breach of international law.

"Just like the war on Lebanon, the Israeli assault is grossly disproportionate to the terrorist attacks it has suffered. Israel must recognise that the international community, even it's closest allies, will not tolerate a military assault with such enormous civilian casualties and apparent disregard for international law. The resolution also calls on Hamas to stop firing rockets and to engage with Israel through a political process.

"It is heartbreaking to see so many children being killed and injured. Just this morning we hear that a UN compound has been set on fire in an attack with phosphorus shells, illegal under international law. Pallets of aid are ablaze but the UN staff cannot put them out with water because of the phosphorus shells and are scrabbling around trying to find sand. This is an outrage. Why are they using these shells at all, let alone firing them at an UNRA compound?

"The resolution the Parliament passed almost unanimously this morning is a positive step but it could have been stronger. However a stronger resolution would not have gained all party support. But every political and national group in the EU parliament is begging Israel to stop the assault, and end this disproportionate process of collective punishment.