MPs demand Egypt open Gaza crossing
Saturday, 29 November 2008 12:01 AM
Palestinian groups will deliver an open letter signed by several MPs to the Egyptian embassy today in protest at conditions in Gaza.
The groups are calling on Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to open Egypt's border-crossing at Rafah - the only land route out of Gaza that bypasses Israel - with Gaza for urgent humanitarian aid.
The letter is signed by several Westminster MPs, including Clare Short, Dereck Wyatt, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell.
Israeli actions against Gaza are causing consternation among humanitarian groups, which are worried about essential supplies reaching the area.
The delegation will visit the embassy at 16:00 GMT, led by Massoud Shadjareh, chair of the Islamic Human Rights Commission.
Mr Shadjareh said: "The humanitarian crisis created by the Israeli government's policy of collective punishment must no longer be tolerated.
"While none can ignore the plight of the Palestinians, the Egyptian government bears a particular responsibility to allow vital aid to the innocent men, women and children of Gaza, whose only crime is living under occupation."
The past months have seen fuel supplies to Gaza blocked, the closure of power plants and an ending to UN food distribution.
"Whilst this catastrophe unfolds, it beggars belief that there exists a crossing into Gaza, namely the Rafah crossing that is outside Israeli control, yet still closed," the letter reads.
"This crossing, on the border with Egypt, must be opened immediately and unconditionally, to allow in international relief efforts and the personnel required to alleviate the suffering the innocent civilians of Gaza undergo."
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