Elwyn Watkins calls for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

1.05.26pm GMT Tue 13th Jan 2009

Elwyn Watkins, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East & Saddleworth, has called for an immediate Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Elwyn Watkins is also backing Liberal Democrat calls to suspend a new co-operation agreement between the EU and Israel and to end arms sales from the UK to Israel. Britain's arms export approvals to Israel have risen from £6 million in 2007 to £20 million in the first three months of 2008.

Elwyn said, "The attacks in Gaza has been completely disproportionate. Of course Israel has a right to defend itself, but their actions have been well beyond self-defence and have resulted in hundreds of civilian deaths. The UN says that more than 40% of those killed are women and children. This is an international emergency and we need to stand up against Israel."

Local Councillor Mohammed Masud, who has written expressing his concern to the Prime Minister, added, "The British government must do everything that it can to stop the killing of innocent civilians, including children and women, in Gaza. There needs to be an immediate ceasefire and the international community must work to bring both sides to the table for urgent talks. The continuing bombardment of Gaza is disgraceful and the military operations by Israel will only serve to further inflame extremism. Negotiation is the way forward. We want a permanent solution to the situation that includes an independent Palestinian state."