PCHR’s Director, Raji Sourani,
met the European Commissioner for External Relations, H.E. Benita
Ferrero-Waldner, and the European Envoy for the Peace Process in the Middle
East, Mr. Mark Otteh. The meetings took place in Ramallah on Tuesday, 30 October
2007.
The first meeting with
Ferrero-Waldner focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation of
Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip in light of the closure of the territory
by Israel. Sourani highlighted the impact of the closure on basic sectors such
as health, education, economy, and travel.
Sourani stated that what is
happening can only be called “collective punishment” of a civilian population
that is protected by International Law. He added that the closure is a violation
of International Law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention. Sourani stressed
that it is unacceptable for Europe to remain silent over the crimes perpetrated
by Israeli against Palestinian civilians; adding that Europe has a role and a
responsibility to protect these civilians. In addition, Sourani pointed that the
repeated demands of the Palestinians to Europe to impose sanctions on Israel for
perpetrating crimes were rebuffed under the pretext of avoiding punishment of
Israeli civilians. However, he added that there is silence when Palestinian
civilians are punished. He stated that Israel’s policies are an example of the
rule of the jungle that will only encourage more of the same.
In addition, Sourani thanked
Ferrero-Waldner for raising her voice in condemnation of this situation, and
asked her to work on the political level to break the siege on Gaza and stop the
punishment of civilians. In this regard, Sourani pointed to Palestinian civil
society efforts to break the siege.
On her part, Ferrero-Waldner
expressed deep shock at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the
Gaza Strip. She stated that she will work through the EU to end this closure;
and that she will convey what she witnessed and heard to related bodies and
decision makers.
Following the meeting with
Ferrero-Waldner, Sourani met Mr. Mark Otteh, the European Envoy for the Peace
Process in the Middle East, and Mr. Roy Dickinson, the Head of Operations in the
European Commission Office to the West Bank and Gaza. Sourani reiterated the
request that the EU work effectively against the collective punishment of
Palestinian civilians.
It is noted that this is the
first time in 7 years that Israeli forces allow Sourani to leave Gaza through
Erez. The permission came after European intervention. Nonetheless, Sourani was
forced to wait for several hours at the crossing before passing through. He was
allowed to pass under the precondition that he travel in an official European
vehicle in company of Roy Dickinson, and to return in the same manner. Due to
the delay at the crossing Sourani missed the initial appointment with
Ferrero-Waldner. However, she delayed her departure in order to meet him; and he
thanked her for that.
