GENEVA CONVENTION VIOLATED IN GAZA, SAYS MEP

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 25th May 2008

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has now reached a catastrophic level, the health system is at breaking point and the effective collective punishment of the population amounts to a breach of the Geneva Convention, according to a Written Declaration launched the European Parliament today.

The Declaration, which will trigger a debate in the Parliament if more than half of the 785 MEPs sign it within three months, calls for the International Community to urgently get involved.

Speaking after the launch, Liz Lynne MEP, (ALDE, UK), the author of the Declaration, who sits on the Human Rights Subcommittee, said:

"The blockade on the movement of people and goods is turning into the humanitarian disaster many warned about and it cannot be allowed to continue. Healthcare in Gaza is collapsing because so many are suffering without the treatments and medicines they need. This is collective punishment of the civilian population and as such it violates the IVth Geneva Convention."

"For this reason the international community must face up to its responsibilities and help to create security and stability as a matter of urgency. All sides involved in conflict in the region must renounce violence and adhere to human rights international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Convention."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The text of Written Declaration can be found here: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/activities/plenary/writtenDecl/wdFastOngoing.do?language=EN#, then click on 'on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza ', no. 0047 (number given at top right of item)

The Oxford Research Group (www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk) contributed to the Written Declaration. The ORG is an award-winning, UK-based independent NGO and charity which works with others to promote a more sustainable approach to security around the world.

Article 33 of the IVth Geneva Convention reads: "No protected person may be punished for an offence he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited."