The EU could play a bigger role in ensuring aid gets into Gaza and weapons are kept out, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has said.
He urged Israel to accept an international probe into the deaths of nine activists on a Turkish aid ship. He spoke alongside UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, who said Europe would maintain pressure on Israel. Israel, which blockades Gaza over fears of rocket attacks, has ruled out international involvement in any probe. The deaths a week ago sparked global condemnation but defiance from Israel, which insists it has the right to defend itself.
Another aid ship, the Irish-owned Rachel Corrie, was intercepted by Israel on Saturday and officials have begun deporting its crew and activists.
‘Transparency’ needed
In response to criticism that Europe had not taken enough action, Mr Kouchner said the EU was willing to check cargo on ships going into Gaza, and to play more of a role in controlling the Rafah border crossing from Egypt to Gaza. (more…)
Tags: Aid, GazaPalestine, Israel
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The sound of gunfire coming from the machine guns from the direction of Israeli positions in the two border post of Al-Sammaqa and Rwaisat Al-Alam; border posts located between the Lebanon-Syria and the occupied Palestinian territory.
