Nobel Peace Laureate mairead Maguire appeals to Egyptian Government to open Rafah Crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza

MAGUIRE SAID:
‘
On Thursday 3lst December, 2009 people of Gaza will remember the beginning
Of Operation Cast Lead massacres upon them, by the Israeli Military, when
l,400 people in Gaza were killed and some 5,000 were injured during the
22 day assault. These crimes against humanity and war crimes perpetrated
By the Israeli Government are not only remembered by the people of Gaza and of
Palestine, but my millions of people around the world, who were shocked and
disgusted by this further act of barbarity upon the people of Gaza by the Israeli Government.

In order to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza, around l,400 people
from 48 different countries have this week gathered in Egypt hoping to enter
Gaza at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. They bring humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. These l,400 represent millions of
People around the world who join them in spirit and add their voices to theirs
To demand that Israel change its policies of siege and occupation and illegal
Policies of collective punishment of the people of Gaza.

These people come from many different countries. Their demands are simple:
To the Israeli Government – lift the illegal and immoral siege of Gaza, which has
Left l.5 million people with inadequate food, water, health care, electricity,
Sanitation, and education.

Amongst the International delegation are about one dozen people from Ireland,
Who has brought medical aid and educational materials and toys for the children.
The Irish delegation have joined with the Gaza Freedom March and Viva Palestina
Convey in their 200 Gaza bound vehicles, and have travelled for several weeks
Overseas to join other International delegates from around the World.

I would appeal to the Egyptian Authorities to open the Rafah crossing and assist
the humanitarian delegations to enter Gaza to be with the people of Gaza.
It is particularly important as the children are suffering so much and as the human
Family we must all do what we can to help each other, particularly the children
And civilians, who under International Law must be protected against war
And violence.

I appeal to President Obama and the American Administration to do all in their
Power to bring to an end this illegal siege of Gaza, which is a shame to humanity
in this the 2lst Century, when Governments and people are challenged to
Abolish barbaric wars and solve problems through dialogue and negotiations.

Mairead Maguire (Nobel Peace Laureate)
www.peacepeople.com (44 (o) 28 90 663465)

About

The Permanent Secretariat of Nobel Peace Laureates Summits derives from a new and more broadly based collaboration between the International Gorbachev Foundation and the City of Rome for realizing the World Summits of Nobel Peace Laureates. The Permanent Secretariat, based in Rome, is a non-profit association without political aims.
As well as organizing the tasks of the Summit, the Secretariat monitors the activities of Nobel Peace Laureates, while promoting the adoption of the "Charter for a world without violence" and supporting the work of the Nobel, who participate in the annual Summits at Rome, as mediators in various conflicts around the world (Article 3 of the Statute).