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Gaza Blockade must end demands David Ward
November 9, 2010 12:00 AM
David Ward seeing first hand the results of the blockade in Gaza
David Ward MP has questioned the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, about the continuing blockade of Gaza.
David's question follows a recent visit to Gaza where he witnessed first-hand the terrible effect of the blockade on Gaza's economy and on the lives of the people who live there.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"The blockade must come to an end and I am glad that the Foreign Secretary has accepted this. It is not only inhumane to the people of Gaza, but is against the national interest of the Israelis. Far from ensuring the security of the State of Israel the blockade actively undermines it by fuelling extremism.
"There is a severe shortage of building materials for reconstruction, which are not allowed through the blockade. These materials are urgently needed to repair Gaza's damaged sewerage system, to prevent waste from contaminating the drinking water. Even the United Nations has struggled to get the materials it needs to build new schools.
"Instead goods is being smuggled in through illicit tunnels with the profits often going to Hamas.
"Steps must be taken to allow Gaza's economy to revive, including allowing the free movement of goods and people."
The full text of David Ward MP's question to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs appears below:
Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): What recent discussions he has had on the blockade of Gaza.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr William Hague): I discussed Gaza with the Israeli Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Defence Minister during my visit there last week. I stressed that economic revitalisation will best safeguard Israel's security. Gaza's dependence on aid will continue until there is progress on exports and a better framework is developed for enabling imports of reconstruction materials for UN-led projects.
Mr Ward: Does the Foreign Secretary agree that the blockade not only represents an act of inhumanity, but is against the long-term security of Israel and is therefore against its national interest?
Mr Hague: Yes, I do agree with my hon. Friend. I have said before in the House that I think the blockade of Gaza is unsustainable and unacceptable. The tunnel economy that has arisen in Gaza often serves the interests of Hamas, rather than the interests of anyone else, so it is important for Israel to continue to allow an improvement in the flow of goods into Gaza and, as I said, to begin to allow reconstruction materials so that there can be a real improvement in conditions on the ground in Gaza. That will help the security of the whole region.