Local MP Katy Clark has condemned the Israeli military operations in Gaza. The military action which began on December 27th is estimated to have claimed around 700 Palestinian lives and has been widely condemned for the casualties caused to civilians. On 7th January Israeli shells hit a United Nations run school killing over 40 civilians. The Israeli Government has been criticised for refusing to allow basic supplies in Gaza to reach their intended destinations and failing to provide wounded civilians in Gaza with basic medical treatment.

Speaking on the subject Ms. Clark said “I am appalled by the Israeli military action in the Gaza strip. Whilst I oppose Hamas rocket attacks into Israel the Israeli response has been grossly disproportionate with, on average, 75 Palestine killed on every day since the conflict began. The Israeli military is in effect carrying out a collective punishment on the population of Gaza. This cannot be allowed to continue and the Israeli Government should immediately withdraw their military forces from Gaza and stop all shelling and air attacks in the region.”

“I am gravely concerned at the current humanitarian situation in the region with supplies of food, fuel and electricity in short supply and the Israeli military operation making it hard for aid to reach those who need it. I believe the British Government needs to put every diplomatic pressure possible on Israel, including the suspension of the sale of arms to Israel and suspension of the EU-Israeli Trade Association Agreement, to bring about an immediate ceasefire and end to the siege of Gaza. The local MP has added her signature to letters to both the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary calling for the British Government to act to bring about an end to the conflict and will be campaigning on the issue in Westminster once Parliament resumes on Monday 12th January.