Conference Addresses Humanitarian Crisis in Palestine Special

The European Parliament, under the auspice of its Vice President, Luisa Morgantini, convened a workshop, assembling politicians, lawyers, academics

The European Parliament, under the auspice of its Vice President, Luisa Morgantini, convened a workshop, assembling politicians, lawyers, academics, and human rights activists, on Wednesday the 29th of April 2009, in Brussels to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The workshop was the result of successful campaigning by The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council and the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza. Titled, 'Palestine 2009: How to Break the Vicious Circle', examined the crippling siege in Gaza as well as the current impasse in the ‘Peace Process'. It aimed to add a new dimension and a fresh perspective in addressing the humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding in Palestine. Its main focal point was on the Gaza strip, which has now been under Israeli siege for almost three years. The conference coincides with the 61st anniversary of the Nakba, the 1948 catastrophe that befall the Palestinians when 750,000 people were made refugees. Aside from the symbolic gesture to hold the workshop this month, the decision to hold it now and in Brussels cannot be understated. Now 61 years on, through incalculable difficulties, the plight of the Palestinians is no closer to resolution. PRC General Director, Majed al-Zeer, said: "They have endured the longest occupation so far in modern history and even under the watchful eyes of the world where international laws are enshrined and institutions formed to reign in human atrocities, the Palestinians in Gaza find themselves suffocated in a brutal siege." By bringing together a broad range of experts and politicians to the centre of Europe, it is hoped that their concerted efforts and fruitful outcomes will resonate widely. The workshop will discuss the conflict from three different angles, humanitarian, legal and political. The triple perspective is in recognition of the different dimensions to the conflict ,which requires a different approach in each to tackle the problems. On the humanitarian side, there are representatives from: UNRWA, Amnesty International and Defence Children International. There are also representatives from the two main sponsoring organisations, The Palestinian Return Centre and European campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, which organise humanitarian convoys to Gaza delivering essential medicine and equipments. They will all provide their perspective on the humanitarian crises highlight the work that is being done and draw attention to the critical issues that require attention. Perspectives on the two other more controversial areas, which are demonstrably harder to resolve will be given by attorneys from the UK. Representatives from the House of Lords and politicians from the European Union and the Middle East. Dr. Arafat Shoukri, the chair of the European campaign revealed that: "Not only will these speakers be discussing the best options available in order to bring about a realistic and lasting peace. But more significantly they will seek to address breaches of international law and take the bold step of drawing out a plan in bringing perpetrators of the crimes to an international tribunal." The conflict has reached, what seems like, an insuperable gridlock with no signs of peace on the horizon. The harrowing cries of Palestinians have been silenced by bellowing Israeli demands on the world stage. Not all eyes however are shut and not all ears are silenced and nor are all minds befogged. It is the concerted and tireless efforts of such individuals and organisations gathering in Brussels that will bring a glimpse of hope and a modicum of justice for the Palestinians.