THE blockade of Gaza continues with very tight restrictions on aid and re-construction materials.
In recent days the Middle East envoy Tony Blair, as well as the government minister Douglas Alexander, have visited Gaza and have called for the blockade to be lifted, at least in part, so that this ravaged area can be supplied.
The Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood has also visited Israel, but not Gaza, in recent weeks but is reported in the Daily Echo as being critical of the ‘intransigence’ of Hamas, the elected authority in Gaza. Since no one appears to be willing to talk to the representatives of Hamas this does seem a little odd. There is apparently no call from the Bournemouth MP for the blockade to be lifted.
Consequent upon the attacks on Gaza there were calls for Bournemouth to sever its municipal links with Israel.
It has now been reported that Worcester is seeking sister city status with Gaza City in a gesture of solidarity with Palestinians. The BBC has said that Gaza City Council has backed the move.
Since it appears that none of our councillors is prepared to discontinue the links with Israel, one wonders if they would consider following the lead of Worcester council in establishing links within Gaza.
TONY WILLIAMS, Warnford Road, Bournemouth
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