15 January 2009 - MEP and Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas has condemned a reported Israeli attack on the headquarters of the UN's relief agency in Gaza City, saying it demonstrates Israel’s complete disregard for international peace efforts – and for Palestinian human rights.

The United Nations Relief and Work Agency, UNRWA, has reported that its Gaza HQ, which has been sheltering Gazan civilians from the devastating attacks by Israeli forces, has been shelled and a number of workers injured (1).

Dr Lucas MEP responded:

“In attacking the building of a UN agency providing desperately needed aid to the beleaguered civilians of Gaza, Israel has shown yet again that its brutal shelling of Gaza is relentless, indiscriminate and indifferent to international condemnation.

“With over 1,000 Gazans now reported to have been killed during the Israeli air and ground attacks, time is running out for efforts to reach a ceasefire to prevent any further bloodshed and establish a peaceful agreement between both sides of the conflict.

“Since launching its offensive on the Gaza Strip, Israel has hampered access for aid agencies and international journalists, thus severely hindering humanitarian efforts and preventing the media from witnessing events on the ground. This attack on the UNRWA building proves that no one is safe from the determined bombardment by Israeli forces.

“The United States must urgently take heed of international protest against the continued violence meted out by the Israeli government, and call on Israel to halt their attacks and lift the blockade on Gaza, while Hamas must also end the rocket attacks on Israel immediately. Only then can a sustainable peace process begin. As Nelson Mandela stated, ‘Only free men can negotiate’.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

(1)  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/7829912.stm