Israel blocks Irish delegation’s visit to Gaza

The Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) prevented an Irish delegation headed by Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams from visiting Gaza Strip while on a three day trip to the region.

In a statement, Adams expressed disappointment and described his blocked visit as a hostile move to the peace process.

“Preventing me from traveling to Gaza and talking to those citizens who have survived three Israeli assaults in the last decade, and who are besieged and in need of a massive aid to rebuild their shattered economy and society, runs contrary to the needs of a peace process and is very unhelpful,” he said.

“The people of Palestine have the right to national statehood. It’s not an issue for negotiation. It is a principle and a right. The international community has an obligation to support this and to uphold international law.”

Adams had previously visited the besieged Strip of Gaza in 2009, when he met with former Prime Minister Ismail Haneyya. He reportedly called for lifting Israeli blockade on Gaza, calling it “illegal.”

On the other hand, Israel’s ambassador to the EU in Brussels David Walzer said that Israel is working on preventing an EU vote on the recognition of the state of Palestine expected to be held later this month.

Walzer told Israeli radio that Israel’s delegation to the EU has been holding urgent meetings with political consultants and members of the European Parliament in an attempt to cancel or foil such a vote.

Following Sweden’s official decision and symbolic votes in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain, the European Parliament is expected to vote on a draft resolution that would recognize a Palestinian state.