LOC23:39
20:39 GMT
GAZA, July 24 (KUNA) -- A European delegation of parliamentarians crossed
into Gaza's Rafah land border crossing with Egypt on Sunday, to show
solidarity with the Palestinians.
The delegation includes 17 MPs of varied political backgrounds from several
European countries.
Awaiting the delegation was the First Deputy Speaker of the Palestinian
Legislative Council, Ahmad Bahar, along with a number of Palestinian
parliamentarians.
Bahar, in a press conference at the Rafah border, expressed hope the
lawmakers would go back home and speak of the suffering of the people of Gaza
due to the Israeli-imposed siege.
"The world should respect the right of the Palestinian people for freedom
and independence. We want our voice to be heard by every parliament and the
international community," he said.
The delegation's chief, British Labour Party MP Tony Lloyd said the visit
intends to illustrate the European parliaments' respect of the rights of
Palestinian people and aims to increase European awareness on the humanitarian
crisis Gazans are living in.
The delegation hopes Palestinians are given hope for a better life and
future, and supports life returning to normal for the Palestinians.
He added that the delegation is set to carry out visits to medical and
vital state institutions, to take a first-hand look at the consequences of the
siege. (end)
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