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Dr Bill Wilson MSP
| MSP demands Israel lets ships take children’s hearing aids to Gaza |
| Thursday, 21 August 2008 | |
 Dr Bill Wilson, SNP MSP for the West of Scotland, today announced that he had written to the Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Ron Prosor, and to the Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, on behalf of human rights activists seeking to take two ships to Gaza. The activists want to deliver hearing aids for children whose hearing has been damaged by explosions and sonic booms and to highlight the human rights violations associated with Israel’s blockade of the Palestinian territory.
SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty number amongst their passengers and crew (who represent 15 nationalities) an 83-year-old Holocaust survivor and Lauren Booth, the sister-in-law of Middle East peace Envoy, Tony Blair. Ms Booth’s husband reportedly received an anonymous phone call advising that the ships would be blown up. Israel, which effectively operates a blockade of Gaza despite claiming not to be occupying it, has refused to let the ships dock — the Israeli navy has been ordered to repel them.
Dr Wilson’s letters urge Mr Miliband and Ambassador Prosor to condemn the threats the ships and their crew have reportedly received and to do whatever they can to facilitate their safe passage to Gaza.
Dr Wilson commented:
“I applaud the activists’ attempt to increase awareness of the devastating effects of the Israeli blockade of Gaza on civilians.
“If Israel lets the boats through, and alleviates the appalling conditions suffered by the residents of Gaza in what is effectively a giant prison, this would surely contribute to the peace, prosperity and security of the region as a whole.”
Notes to Editors
1. Dr Wilson’s letter to David Miliband
20 August 2008
David Miliband
Dear Mr Miliband
Mission to Gaza by SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty
You will be aware of the attempted voyage to Gaza by human rights activists on the above ships. The intention is to deliver hearing aids for children in Gaza whose hearing has been damaged by explosions and sonic booms, and to highlight the human rights violations associated with Israel’s blockade of Gaza. As you know, Israel claims that Gaza is no longer occupied, but Israeli forces control and blockade Gaza by land, sea and air.
Fifteen nationalities are represented on the vessels, including Americans, Israelis and Palestinians, and one participant is apparently an 83-year-old Holocaust survivor. You will know that another is the Middle East Peace Envoy’s sister-in-law, Lauren Booth. I understand her husband received an anonymous phone call advising that the ships would be blown up, and I believe other threats have been made.
I urge you to condemn the threats made against the ships and their crew and do whatever you can to facilitate their safe passage to Gaza.
Aefauldlie
Dr Bill Wilson MSP
2. Dr Wilson’s letter to Ambassador Prosor
20 August 2008
Ron Prosor
Dear Mr Prosor
Mission to Gaza by SS Free Gaza and SS Liberty
You will be aware of the attempted voyage to Gaza by human rights activists on the above ships. The intention is to deliver hearing aids for children in Gaza whose hearing has been damaged by explosions and sonic booms, and to highlight the human rights violations associated with your country’s blockade of Gaza.
Israel claims that Gaza is no longer occupied, but Israeli forces control and effectively blockade Gaza by land, sea and air. According to one recent report 80 % of families there now rely on food aid, unemployment runs at 40 % and one in three homes has no running water. It is my view that any attacks resulting in civilian casualties, by whomsoever, by shell, rocket or starvation, can only serve to increase the level of conflict, not reduce it.
Fifteen nationalities are represented on the vessels, including Israelis, and one participant is apparently an 83-year-old Holocaust survivor. You will know that another is the Middle East Peace Envoy’s sister-in-law, Lauren Booth. I understand her husband received an anonymous phone call advising that the ships would be blown up, and I believe other threats have been made.
I do not expect you to agree with me regarding the unacceptable and counterproductive nature of your country’s actions with regard to Gaza, but I do urge you to condemn the threats made against the ships and their crew and do whatever you can to facilitate their safe passage. These small actions might well have very positive results for all the people of the region.
I look forward to your response.
Aefauldlie
Dr Bill Wilson MSP
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 21 August 2008 ) |
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