David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Saturday 27 June, 2009

Gaza

The G8 Foreign Ministers reiterated their support for UNSC Resolution 1860 and its call for a halt to any smuggling into Gaza and the immediate opening of Crossings.  This is important because rocket fire into Israel has been significantly reduced but not eliminated, while the number of trucks entering Gaza, which leapt last week to over 800, is still below the 500 per day that the UN say is essential.  Meanwhile the closure of crossings provides an incentive for tunnelling and smuggling.  Until these issues are resolved the threat of confrontation remains.

Posted at 21:50 27 June 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[7]

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It is not enough simply to call for the land crossings to be opened. Israel also maintains an illegal blockade of Gaza's coastline, and has progressively reduced the limits in which Gaza's fishing boats are allowed to fish. Despite the Oslo agreements permitting a 20 mile limit, they are now only allowed to fish up to 3 miles from the shore in waters polluted by effluent as a result of Israel's refusal to allow spares and building materials for the repair of Gaza's water system: which was severely damaged by the Israeli army during its attack on Gaza in January 2009. This type of collective punishment on the people of Gaza is both illegal and morally unacceptable.

Posted by Roger Higginson on June 27, 2009 at 11:19 PM BST #

Maybe the G8 Foreign Ministers could spare a few minutes to reiterate that other supplies such as food, medicines, fuel and construction material should be facilitated into the Gaza zone. This is important so that the people there have a chance to live in dignity and with the day to day things that we all take for granted. The threat of confrontation will always remain so long as peoples needs not their wants, are denied.

Posted by Brian Barghout on June 28, 2009 at 09:44 AM BST #

You will find that when the firing into Israel from Gaza ceases many more lorries lorries will cross daily into that country from Israel. It isn't reasonable to expect a country under attack should make it easier for the attacker to carry on with the bombardment. Roni Forman

Posted by Roni Forman on June 28, 2009 at 06:09 PM BST #

Today that the Israeli Navy intercepted and boarded the Free Gaza ship 'Spirit of Humanity'. It appears they have taken the humanitarian envoys, including UK citizens Ishmahil Blagrove, Alex Harrison, Denis Healey, Fathi Jaouadi, Theresa McDermott and Adnan Mormesh. The boat was en route from Cyprus to Gaza carrying a range of inspected and re-inspected humanitarian supplies as a contribution to the desperately needed reconstruction of Gaza. You have been clear in denouncing the kidnap of UK citizens in Iraq and elsewhere and in taking action against pirates off Somalia and elsewhere. I trust you will take a robust attitude with the Israeli Government and demand the immediate release of the Spirit and all its passengers and take steps to ensure it can complete its humanitarian mission in safety.

Posted by Mike Cushman on June 30, 2009 at 07:41 PM BST #

David, I hope you will join with me in expressing grave concern at Israel's actions in taking over the Free Gaza ship 'Spirit of Humanity' yesterday. We understand that the unarmed ship, containing a crew of human rights activists, was overpowered in international waters and the crew arrested and taken to Israel. Gazans are not cockroaches. They deserve the same rights as everyone else. They should receive the aid they need to reconstruct their houses and make their lives worth more than a plate of beans.

Posted by Joe on July 01, 2009 at 11:09 AM BST #

I think it is criminal that the people of Gaza are net allowed building materials. Glass to make them dry and warm. To add to the injustice build on west bank another Jewish village. So much for Ombama no.

Posted by Alec.Metcalfe on July 01, 2009 at 07:18 PM BST #

Mr Miliband, your silence about Israel's action against the 'Spirit of Humanity' says it all. It is now six months since Israel laid waste to Gaza and your first priority seems to be the security of Israel. What are you doing about the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who are suffering daily as a result of Israel's blockade.

Posted by Paul Macdonald on July 06, 2009 at 12:11 PM BST #

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