'Open the border and let in aid' united European parliament tells Israel.

12.00.00am GMT Wed 18th Feb 2009

Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has welcomed a resolution in the European Parliament today calling for urgent aid to the Gaza Strip and criticising Israel's continued blockade of the region.

The resolution which received over-whelming cross- party support called for urgent humanitarian assistance for the region but stressed that Israel must lift its aid embargo on Gaza and allow EU aid to get through.

It also called on the European Commission to draw up long term plans for EU assistance in helping reconstruct Gaza in the wake of Israel's attacks.

Liz, who is a member of the European Parliament Sub- Committee on Human Rights, has been a vocal critic of the Israel blockade, saying that it amounts to collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

Speaking after the resolution passed in Parliament she said:

"I am pleased that the European Parliament has once again made it clear to Israel that we will not tolerate their actions towards the Gaza Strip.

"I would have liked this resolution to be even stronger in its criticism of Israel's recent actions, but I believe that it is vital the Parliament speaks with one voice and leaves no doubt in Israel's mind as to what we think of the blockade.

"Gaza is a humanitarian crisis. 88% of people in the region are currently dependant on food aid and yet the Israeli's continue to block aid. Over 1000 people have already died due to the Israeli incursion, we cannot and will not allow more to suffer."