AS the conflict continues in Gaza with a growing death toll, huge international efforts are being made to find a solution as Israel bombard the strip populated by Arabs in response to rocket attacks onto Israeli soil.
Sinn Féin MLA’s Caitriona Ruane and Pat Sheehan are to travel to Gaza this week as part of a European parliamentarian delegation. The purpose of the visit is to witness first hand the situation in Gaza following eight days of intensive naval and aerial attacks by Israeli forces.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Ms Ruane said: “The impact on Gaza following a week of severe bombardment by Israeli forces is dramatic. It further compounds the destruction of infrastructure including roads, schools, hospitals, sanitation works and government buildings that have been destroyed or damaged in the Israeli assault four years ago.
“Given this and the ongoing illegal blockade by Israel which makes it extremely difficult to bring in the materials needed to rebuild this vital infrastructure the situation in Gaza is very serious.
“Myself and Pat Sheehan will see first hand the damage that is being caused in this unfolding human tragedy. We will meet with a the Al Dalu who lost ten family members when their house was hit by an Israeli missile. We will also meet with local politicians, NGO’s and UNRWA.”
The delegation will travel to Gaza on Saturday 1 December and return on Monday the 3 December.
