Day 2 of Bairbre de Brun visit to Gaza
Published: 25 February, 2009
Tomorrow we head to Gaza where the continuing siege is the major issue to be addressed. This is not to take away from the awful humanitarian crisis. On the contrary we must give emergency aid. But just giving aid will not be enough. I am convinced of that from everyone I spoke to here today.
Major international players now push for movement on re-opening the crossings and the Palestinians say no reconstruction of Gaza is possible without this.
Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad, who spoke to us in our meeting this evening of the recent Israeli assault on Gaza as the single biggest loss of life, as well as injury, damage and loss of infrastructure, stressed that the upcoming international conference in Egypt next Monday must deal not only with financial donations or opening some checkpoints. The passages must be open for goods and people and the ongoing siege and restrictions and permit requirements must end.
He also asks if Netenyahu is prepared to unequivocally subscribe to a two state solution.
What he says reflects a view I have heard a lot since I arrived here. The donor conference on 2 March in Sharm El Sheik is useful but there will not be economic progress without dealing with the political problems. This means ending the lack of free movement in and out of Gaza, the ongoing settlement activity in the West Bank and the division of Gaza from the West Bank.
Intra Palestinian problems also dominate everyday discussions with people here. The Egyptians have been brokering talks but the prospects of Palestinian unity or of forming a national unity government don't look great.
|
