Ref: 61/2007

Date: 31 October  2007

Sourani Meets H.E. Benita Ferrero-Waldner the European Commissioner for External Relations

PCHR’s Director, Raji Sourani, met the European Commissioner for External Relations, H.E. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and the European Envoy for the Peace Process in the Middle East, Mr. Mark Otteh. The meetings took place in Ramallah on Tuesday, 30 October 2007.

The first meeting with Ferrero-Waldner focused on the deteriorating humanitarian situation of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip in light of the closure of the territory by Israel. Sourani highlighted the impact of the closure on basic sectors such as health, education, economy, and travel.

Sourani stated that what is happening can only be called “collective punishment” of a civilian population that is protected by International Law. He added that the closure is a violation of International Law, especially the Fourth Geneva Convention. Sourani stressed that it is unacceptable for Europe to remain silent over the crimes perpetrated by Israeli against Palestinian civilians; adding that Europe has a role and a responsibility to protect these civilians. In addition, Sourani pointed that the repeated demands of the Palestinians to Europe to impose sanctions on Israel for perpetrating crimes were rebuffed under the pretext of avoiding punishment of Israeli civilians. However, he added that there is silence when Palestinian civilians are punished. He stated that Israel’s policies are an example of the rule of the jungle that will only encourage more of the same.

In addition, Sourani thanked Ferrero-Waldner for raising her voice in condemnation of this situation, and asked her to work on the political level to break the siege on Gaza and stop the punishment of civilians. In this regard, Sourani pointed to Palestinian civil society efforts to break the siege.

On her part, Ferrero-Waldner expressed deep shock at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. She stated that she will work through the EU to end this closure; and that she will convey what she witnessed and heard to related bodies and decision makers.

Following the meeting with Ferrero-Waldner, Sourani met Mr. Mark Otteh, the European Envoy for the Peace Process in the Middle East, and Mr. Roy Dickinson, the Head of Operations in the European Commission Office to the West Bank and Gaza. Sourani reiterated the request that the EU work effectively against the collective punishment of Palestinian civilians.

It is noted that this is the first time in 7 years that Israeli forces allow Sourani to leave Gaza through Erez. The permission came after European intervention. Nonetheless, Sourani was forced to wait for several hours at the crossing before passing through. He was allowed to pass under the precondition that he travel in an official European vehicle in company of Roy Dickinson, and to return in the same manner. Due to the delay at the crossing Sourani missed the initial appointment with Ferrero-Waldner. However, she delayed her departure in order to meet him; and he thanked her for that.