Sir, – A week ago, I received an official invitation from Ireland’s representative to the Palestinian Authority, inviting me to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Jerusalem in the company of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter.
The event was scheduled for March 13th, in the middle of Mr Shatter’s five-day visit to Israel.
As I am currently working with the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) in Gaza, I was surprised to get the invitation. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) understands the restrictions that apply when travelling in and out of Gaza as a result of the illegal Israeli blockade, but I thought that perhaps it was organising an exception for those of us based here. However, I was ultimately informed that, while Israel might allow me to enter through Erez, I would not be allowed to return to Gaza that way.
It is roughly 50 miles across Israeli territory to reach Jerusalem, but Palestinians in Gaza are not permitted to make that journey. This is life under the blockade – Palestinians are unable to visit their relatives and friends in the rest of Palestine and cannot work or study outside of Gaza. Only a few international officials and aid workers from the largest NGOs are allowed through the Israeli-controlled Erez crossing.
This example illustrates the sad reality for Palestinians here, particularly regarding the harsh restrictions on movement. Gaza is indeed an open-air prison. Moreover, in recent weeks, Israel has tightened its grip by further restricting crossings and by reducing the flow of desperately needed goods into this territory. Israel has killed four Palestinians in Gaza and wounded more than 90 since the “ceasefire” agreement that ended last November’s war.
It is crucial that Mr Shatter and the Government make their voices heard against this appalling blockade and let Israel know that it must stop now. It is morally wrong to treat Israel as a friend of Ireland while the Palestinian people are abused in this manner. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the consequence of political decisions taken in Israel and could be ended tomorrow. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS ANDREWS,
El Shawwa Building,
Southern Rimal,
Gaza,
Palestine.