Jill Evans MEP, International spokesperson for Plaid Cymru, has condemned the killing of innocent civilians in Lebanon and Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in the area. Jill Evans has also called for more action from the international community to end the escalation of violence and emphasised the urgent need for humanitarian aid throughout Lebanon.

Speaking from Wales Jill said:

"When I visited Lebanon in March I witnessed a country that was well on the way to rebuilding itself following civil war and was looking positively to the future with a promising economy and tourism industry.

“The country is now in ruins with estimates for reconstruction already running into billions of pounds.

“Israeli targets have included two hospitals, all major roads, food warehouses, a milk plant, nearly all electricity plants and a convoy of medical supplies and essential food. Frankly, Lebanon is facing a desperate humanitarian situation.

“Although the toll on the infrastructure has been high, it is nothing compared with the human cost. Well over 300 civilian deaths and 600 injured is not retaliation for two kidnaps, it is murder. Innocent civilians are being targeted and whole populations are punished because of the actions of a few in Hizbullah.

“I have been in email contact with a person I met in Beirut, Seta Hadeshian, who works for the Middle East Council of Churches. She is begging us in Europe to raise our voices and call on the international community to react to stop the innocent bloodshed. As she says "If this is self defence I wonder what aggression would be like."

“In addition to what is happening in Lebanon, deaths in Gaza continue nearly unnoticed with at least 100 Palestinians killed in the last month.

“The UK and US reaction and lack of condemnation have been shameful. There must be an immediate ceasefire and we must stand up for the innocent sufferers of war."

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