Dispatch from Ramallah

British MEP Chris Davies, currently visiting the West Bank and the Gaza strip with a European Parliament delegation, is calling for Israel to pay for damage caused in the Gaza strip by Israeli military action instead of relying on EU aid.

During his visit Davies has stated that the EU should cease financial co-operation with Israel until the state faces up to its legal, financial and humanitarian responsibilities. He has also stated that the EU should come forward as soon as possible with criteria to be met by the Palestinians in the formation of a unity government.

Speaking from Ramallah in the West Bank Davies said, "Europe should not be paying for the destruction wrought by the Israeli military, Israel should.

"There should be real economic consequences for Israel when infrastructure is destroyed in Gaza and at present EU aid is making sure that there are not.

"No incentives seem to exist for Israel to listen to the EU in return for economic aid and co-operation and Israel is not currently working with the EU on a clear path to peace.

"The EU is also at fault for not making clear to the Palestinians what the requirements are for forming a government that the EU can negotiate with. Even if the Palestinians reach agreement with each other, the EU could later step in with impossible conditions and cause another unity government to collapse.

"The EU is helping no-one with its lack of clarity."

Chris Davies is the only British parliamentarian to have visited Gaza during the January assault and will be back in Gaza tomorrow.