Jill Wareham - blockade of Gaza must be lifted

Jill Wareham, former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Isle of Wight, joins the widespread condemnation of Israel's commando style raid on the flotilla of ships carrying aid to Gaza.

Commenting on the blockade of Gaza by Israel Jill said "Israel must lift its unjustifiable and untenable blockade on Gaza. The plight of the Palestinians in Gaza is a human catastrophe and aid must be allowed to get through to these people.

"I support the bravery of people like Peter Venner from Bembridge who was trying to assist people in Gaza to return to a normal life by taking aid on this trip. The commando style raid must have been very frightening for Peter and his colleagues. We now look forward to seeing him come home safely.

"A long term solution must be found to allow both the Palestinians and the Israelis to live peacefully in their own separate states. There are many people on the Island who wish this to happen and a number have shown their support in vigils over the past couple of days to protest against the blockade to Gaza.

"I urge Islanders to join me in writing to Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister, calling for the Coalition Government to play its part in finding a long term solution for peace in the Middle East."