US lawmakers make rare visit to Gaza

[oberliner]

Source: AP

JERUSALEM (AP) — Two U.S. lawmakers traveled to the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip on Thursday, the first congressional delegation to enter the area since the Islamic militant group took power nearly two years ago.

Democratic Reps. Brian Baird of Washington and Keith Ellison of Minnesota were in Gaza early Thursday, the U.S. consulate said.

Consulate spokeswoman Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm said the lawmakers would meet with U.N. officials. There were no plans for them to meet with Hamas, which the U.S. shuns as a terrorist group.

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[byeya]

1. Very commendable and I hope some good will come of

it. It's takes courage to do this and these two deserve our thanks.
I would also draw attention to former Rep McKinney will traveling with the ship to bring relief supplies to the people of Gaza as another example of a person in the public light acting bravely.

[Prometheus Bound]

2. Two Dems ask: If Gaza were in the United States?

“The stories about the children affected me the most,” said Ellison. “No parent, or anyone who cares for kids, can remain unmoved by what Brian and I saw here.”

“The amount of physical destruction and the depth of human suffering here is staggering” said Baird, “Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, schools completely leveled, fundamental water, sewer, and electricity facilities hit and relief agencies heavily damaged. The personal stories of children being killed in their homes or schools, entire families wiped out, and relief workers prevented from evacuating the wounded are heart wrenching – what went on here, and what is continuing to go on, is shocking and troubling beyond words.”

Inquiring about the status of relief efforts, the Congressmen learned that some aid material has been allowed in since the intensity of the attacks lessened a month ago, but much is still being blocked by the Israeli defense forces. Examples of aid that has been banned by the Israeli Government include: lentils, macaroni, tomato paste, lentils and other food. Basic building materials, generator fuel and parts to repair damaged water treatment equipment have also been kept out.

“If this had happened in our own country, there would be national outrage and an appeal for urgent assistance.
http://blogs.jta.org/politics/article/2009/02/20/1003161/two-dems-ask-if-gaza-were-in-the-united-states