Champion Of Palestine Speaks Out In Euro Parliament

The North West MEP who has become known for his controversial and unswerving support for Palestine has again spoken out in the European Parliament.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies MEP used his first opportunity of the new parliamentary term to make a speech on the floor of the House calling for an end to the collective punishment of Gaza's 1,500,000 civilians.

Pulling no punches, Davies described the Israeli occupation as having turned Gaza into "a prison camp, surrounded by walls, patrolled by armed guards".

Davies said, "I take every opportunity that presents itself to remind people in power that just because the cameras have stopped rolling, the injustice and horror of Gaza remain. Israel will not allow essential supplies through and along with killing civilians directly, Israel is killing the hopes of the people of Palestine for a lasting speech."

Transcript of speech as delivered

Six months ago the world was shocked by the death and destruction that Israel visited upon Gaza.

Now the cameras have gone away, yet the economic siege continues.

Less than one quarter of the materials and supplies needed by the people there are getting through the checkpoints.

Just 18 items in all.

Nothing for reconstruction.

Nothing for business.

Nothing that creates jobs or offers hope.

Israel is in effect keeping 1.5 million people in a form of a prison camp, surrounded by walls, patrolled by armed guards.

I ask you Vice President to convey to the President that he should visit Gaza at the earliest opportunity to judge the situation for himself.

And if he believes that such collective punishment can not be acceptable, then he should speak out on behalf of the innocent.