Published today 17:56 GAZA CITY (Ma’an) –

Eighteen European politicians arrived in Gaza on Friday evening to meet with Hamas lawmakers.

The European delegation entered Gaza via the Rafah crossing on Egypt's border. Crossings officials said the visit was coordinated by UNRWA's Gaza office.

European Parliamentarians Arrive In Gaza

Saturday November 27, 2010 12:00 by Saed Bannoura - IMEMC & Agencies

The Borders Authority in Gaza reported late on Friday at night that European Parliamentarians made it into Gaza on Friday evening through the Rafah Border Terminal between Gaza and Egypt. They crossed into Gaza half an hour before Midnight.

It added that eighteen EU parliamentarians are conducting a visit to Gaza in order to observe the humanitarian crises and the dire situation resulting from the Israeli-led siege on Gaza and the last year Israeli war of agrression.

They came to Gaza after coordinating the issue with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and UN offices operating in Gaza.

The European Parliamentarians intend to visit hospitals, schools and areas heavily affected by the three-week Israeli offensive in December of 2008–January of 2009.

They also plan to visit several private organizations, businessmen, and legislators based in Gaza.

1419 Palestinians, mainly civilians including infants, children, women and elderly, were killed and thousands were wounded. Dozens died of their wounds after the war had ended.

The Israeli occupation terrorist army bombarded civilians areas, hospitals, infrastructure, medical centers, mosques and UNRWA facilities, inducing schools where hundreds of residents took shelter.