Visiting US Congressman, Keith Ellison, Calls for Ending Israeli blockade of Gaza

[ 05/04/2010 - 03:26 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

US congressman Keith Ellison, who is currently visiting the Gaza Strip, called for ending the Israeli blockade imposed for about four years, affirming that the international community apposes the siege.

Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to the US congress, promised following his meeting with a number of Palestinian businessmen in Gaza city on Sunday to transfer the image of the humanitarian situation and the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza to his colleagues in the Congress in order to work on lifting the blockade.

He said that the stalled efforts to rebuild the Strip and not allowing in building materials deepen the tragedy of Gaza people.

The congressman denied he discussed during his visit the issue of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit or the Israeli military escalation, and said that his visit focused on the economic and social situation in Gaza and how to find ways to end the blockade which he described as “mass punishment.”

Khudari describes Ellison's statement as positive

[ 05/04/2010 - 05:16 PM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

MP Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the popular committee against the siege, on Monday welcomed the statements of American congressman Keith Ellison at conclusion of his visit to Gaza Strip.

Khudari highlighted the importance of visits by international officials to Gaza especially members of the American Congress to convey the true image of what was happening in Gaza to the American public opinion especially regarding the siege.

He said that the visit and similar ones were the reason for such "advanced stands", adding that the statements should be coupled with practical positions.

The lawmaker called for more such visits on the part of Arab, Islamic and European figures on all levels to work for ending the siege and fostering steadfastness of the Palestinian people.

Khudari said that Gaza is in need of a firm, practical stance that would end the four years long siege that paralyzed all sectors in the Strip, adding that the Israeli war worsened the situation.

Ellison had called for lifting the siege on Gaza, adding that the policy of siege and closure was not of any use.

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