IPSC welcomes Michael Martin's visit to Gaza today

international | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Thursday February 25, 2010 09:49 by Fintan Lane - Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign 087 1258325

IRELAND-PALESTINE SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN

PRESS RELEASE, 25/2/10

IPSC WELCOMES MICHAEL MARTIN'S VISIT TO GAZA TODAY

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) welcomes today's visit to Gaza by Irish Foreign Affairs minister Michael Martin. It is understood that Mr Martin crossed into Gaza via Rafah in Egypt within the past hour. He plans to meet with humanitarian agencies while in the Israeli-besieged area.

Dr David Landy, chairperson of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign said: "We are delighted that Mr Martin has entered Gaza to view for himself the appalling conditions within that besieged area. The people of Gaza are suffering terribly as a result of the ongoing Israeli blockade and the infrastructure remains in tatters since the massive Israeli military assault last year. The EU needs to be more vocal and active in its opposition to what Israel is doing."

Dr Landy continued: "However, while welcoming this visit, we believe that it is unfortunate that Mr Martin is refusing to meet with Hamas, which is a major political force within Gaza and Palestine. We believe that EU policy with regard to Hamas is seriously flawed and simply plays into the hands of Israeli hardliners - Hamas has the support of many Palestinians and cannot be ignored. We call upon Michael Martin to break with EU policy, which is based on deference to Israel, and to meet with Hamas. It is a serious mistake not to discuss the situation with Hamas officials."

PRESS RELEASE ENDS

For further information, contact David Landy (IPSC chairperson) at XXXX or Fintan Lane (IPSC media officer) at 087 1258325.