The Palestinian people have endured a prolonged aggression by a pariah state, and yet the world not only expects them to sit on their hands, the world blames them for it. The Palestinians did what the west wanted and voted in a free and fair election. Because of Israel's government policies the Palestinians voted for Hamas- the people that represented them the best. As a consequence, the world is infuriated by their democratically electing Hamas, who it must be pointed out has a larger mandate than Tony Blair or George Bush.

Hamas, have not yet taken over control of the security apparatus in the Occupied Territories and cannot without the resources or political capital to do so. Hamas are being forced by the International community to recognise Israel, why should they when Israel doesn't recognise Palestine and NOR does it comply with all outstanding UN resolutions? By preventing funds to get to Palestine, a humanitarian disaster is actively being created and mass 'collective punishment' is taking place once again. At the height of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people added to that the humanitarian crisis, complete chaos is likely to break out. Moreover, this call is being made while the world is bankrupting the Palestinian government (in turn bankrupting the Palestinian people). In the large sea of global politics a minnow like the Palestinians cannot survive without protection and fresh water. The disappearance of objectionable voices that once cried out for the rights of the Palestinian people is pushing those in the Occupied Territories down a very narrow path. Many in the European Union are now towing the line for Israel'ss rhetoric and policies, while most of the Arab states have been "forced" to join the ride due to US pressure and sanctions. If the US and EU spent the same amount of energy making Israel comply with the UN then we would see peace in the middle east a lot sooner.

It seems that we cannot take much action to help the suffering Palestinians but we can, with just an e-mail or a short telephone call. Six brave MPs have presented two EDMs (Early Day Motions) regarding the Occupied Territories and the illegal killings in Palestine to the House of Commons. These EDMs require as many signatures from MPs as possible to be taken notice of. So we call on everyone to write or call their MP and make sure that they sign the EDM. Why should we allow our governments to impoverish already poor people? We must put in all our efforts to see that funding is reinstated in Palestine. We hold the means and abilities to help the impoverished Palestinian people and this is one small step. Please contact your MP and urge your friends and families to do so too. Every MP should sign the EDMs.

Details of the Motions

EDM 2041 below calls upon HMG to work with the EU and national governments for the immediate reinstatement of funding and oppose collective punishment.

EDM 1984 relates to the damning ruling on the deaths of Tom Hurndall and James Miller and urges the Israeli government to comply with international law.

EDM 2041: SUSPENSION OF EU AID TO PALESTINE

By Jeremy Corbyn, Brian Iddon.

That this House notes the decision of the European Union to withhold funding to the Palestinian Authority; recognises that this decision, together with both the Israeli government's regular closure of trade routes in and out of Gaza, and similar funding decisions taken by the United States, Japanese and Canadian governments gravely threatens the health and well-being of the Palestinian people, and quite possibly the jobs of approximately 150,000 Palestinian employees who have in total an estimated seven dependants per employee; expresses its opposition to this act of collective punishment against the already impoverished Palestinian people in contravention of International Human Rights conventions; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to work with the EU and national governments for the immediate reinstatement of funding, as well as for the return of the withheld revenues collected by the Israeli government which belong to the Palestinian people.

EDM 1984: CORONER'S COURT VERDICTS ON THE DEATHS OF TOM HURNDALL AND JAMES MILLER

By Richard Burden, Jeremy Corbyn, Crispin Blunt, Colin Breed, Gerald Kaufman, Phyllis Starkey.

That this House notes the English Coroner's Court verdicts of 6th and 10th April 2006 that the two British citizens, James Miller and Tom Hurndall, were `unlawfully killed' by Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip even though they were `engaged in lawful activities'; further notes that the jury expressed its `dismay with the lack of co-operation from the Israeli authorities' in the Coroner's investigations of the Hurndall case and that the Coroner drew attention to `inaccurate, misleading and dishonest conclusions being drawn and published from flawed investigations' in the Miller case; pays tribute to the dignity and determination of both the Hurndall and Miller families in their long search for justice; calls on the UK Government to call for appropriate action by the Israeli authorities in the light of the verdicts, noting the Coroner's advice that the UK may itself have the power to initiate proceedings should Israel fail to do so; expresses grave concern over Israel's failure properly to investigate other cases of international civilians and large numbers of Palestinian civilians killed by Israeli forces; is further concerned by the apparent culture of impunity which too often accompanies the actions of Israeli forces in the Occupied Territories; and, in condemning acts of violence against both Palestinian and Israeli civilians, calls on the international community to urge Israel to comply with international law in the Occupied Territories including the provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and to withdraw from all occupied territories.

An Early Day Motion, or EDM, is a motion put down ("tabled") by Members of Parliament calling for a debate on a particular subject. In practice, their true modern-day purpose is to enable MPs to draw attention to an issue and to canvass support for their views by inviting other Members to add their signatures in support of the motion. If sufficient signatures are attained the issue is question is discussed at greater length. Members may table amendments to existing EDMs.

How to contact your MP: A sample letter

MP NAME MP Your address

House of Commons

LONDON SW1A OAA

Dear _______ MP

Re: The Occupied Territories: most recently EDMs 2041 & 1984

I would be pleased to know that you've had time to consider signing the enclosed Early Day Motions, both of them relating to the Occupied Territories. You will notice that I am your constituent and I am particularly worried about the impending humanitarian crisis if the EU aid is not resumed.

Please try to speak out in parliament and/or ask parliamentary questions relating to the peace process at any opportunity.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

Further Info

If you require further info or wish find out more about these EDMs, please visit the following the sites:

http://www.writetothem.com

http://www.theyworkforyou.com - Follow the simple steps

http://edm.ais.co.uk

http://edmi.parliament.uk  

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=30539&SESSION=875 - and

http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=30476&SESSION=875 - to see if your MP has signed the EDMs.