Statement: Senator Bacik Welcomes easing of Gaza Blockade
17 June 2010
STATEMENT BY SENATOR IVANA BACIK
Labour Seanad Spokesperson for Justice, Equality & Law Reform
Thursday 17th June 2010
BACIK WELCOMES EASING OF GAZA BLOCKADE,
PAYS TRIBUTE TO AID FLOTILLA
Leading for the Labour Party on the order of business in the Seanad today, Senator Ivana Bacik welcomed the announcement that the Israeli blockade of Gaza will be eased somewhat. Senator Bacik said:
“This news is very welcome, but clearly it does not go far enough to meet the needs of the people of Gaza who have been under siege for so long. Their human rights are being severely encroached upon by the continued blockade both by Israel and Egypt.”
Senator Bacik continued:
“Tribute must be paid to the brave volunteers who took part in the recent aid flotilla to Gaza, including of course the Irish volunteers on the Rachel Corrie ship. Their initiative served to draw international attention to the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. The appalling crime committed by Israel in killing nine Turkish members of the flotilla in international waters resulted in extensive international criticism of the blockade. It is to be hoped that following this welcome announcement, further steps will now be taken to remove the blockade so that the people of Gaza can begin to rebuild their lives.”
ENDS