Kirsty calls for an end to arms sales to Israel (Kirsty Williams AM )

Cymraeg
English

Kirsty Williams AM <info@kirstywilliams.org.uk>

Kirsty calls for an end to arms sales to Israel

January 21, 2009 12:00 AM

In today's Assembly debate on Gaza, Kirsty Williams AM called for Gordon Brown to end arms sales to Israel and called Israel's actions in Gaza "utterly disproportionate." She also urged the international community to help rebuild Gaza.

Kirsty said, "Whilst Israel has every right to defend itself from Hamas' deplorable rocket bombs, their response has been wholly disproportionate and self defeating. This atrocity has served no benefit and will only worsen the crisis in the long run. Israel's actions have acted to radicalise opinion in the Arab world.

"The International response to the crisis has been one of little action, with the departing American president George W Bush sanctioning the Israeli's response. I hope that Obama will use his new position to take immediate and decisive action to push for a two state solution and peace in the region.

"Gordon Brown must stop selling arms to Israel and must call on his EU colleagues to do likewise, we cannot allow our country to be part of the perpetration and escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

"No cause has ever succeeded through the use of bombs alone. We need a new approach to ensure peace and for all Israelis and Palestinians alike to live without unnecessary danger and suffering."

Notes:

Kirsty's speech was part of the following Assembly Debate:

Date: Wednesday, 21 January 2009

Item 4: Debate on Gaza (60 mins)

NDM4095 Rhodri Glyn Thomas (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr)

This Assembly notes the concern raised in Wales by individuals, organisations and public protests relating to the military action taken in the Gaza strip.