British MEP in Palestinian unity bid

A cross-party delegation of MEPs will this week be meeting in Gaza and on the West Bank with Palestinian representatives of all political factions in a bid to promote the restoration of a unity government.

Chris Davies (Liberal Democrat, North West England), who last month was the only British politician to gain access to Gaza during the weeks of Israeli assault, said that political leaders in Palestine needed assurances from the EU that such a government would be recognised.

He said: "A Unity Government that recognised Israel's 1967 borders was established two years ago, but the EU refused to talk to Hamas ministers and allowed it to collapse amidst violent factional dispute after three months. This was a terrible error that must not be repeated."

Members of the European Parliament's delegation to the Palestinian Legislative Council will hold meetings in Ramallah on Wednesday, and expect to be in Gaza on Thursday and Friday this week.