On her return from Gaza, Jean Lambert MEP will voice her objection to the current siege at 10 Downing Street, at a protest organised by Palestinian solidarity groups. The action, which will take place from 4-6pm on Saturday 9th February, follows a week-long fact-finding mission to the troubled region with a cross-party group from the European Parliament.
After seeing first-hand the devastation and desperation of people on both sides of the divide, Ms Lambert said:
"The siege of Gaza means that many necessities are not getting through to people. Its effect is simply to strengthen the hands of the hard-liners and to undermine the ability of citizens to live by what we would all consider normal rules. The black market is thriving in the current climate and taking over from normal business. Standards of education and medical care cannot be maintained and people feel entirely trapped.
"Israel still effectively controls much of what happens to Gaza. Sadly the rocket attacks on the Israeli people are further fuelling their tough approach towards the Palestinians. The fact remains though that lifting the siege is essential for both human rights and human dignity."
The protest is being organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Palestinian Forum in Britain, British Muslim Initiative, Palestinian Return Centre, Friends of Al Aqsa, Stop the War Coalition, Friends of Lebanon and Jews for Justice for Palestinians. For more information about the protest please go to www.palestinecampaign.org or www.endthesiege.net