Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales Euro MPs Jill Evans and Eurig Wyn and AM Geraint Davies have confirmed they will still visit Israel and Palestine this week despite yesterday’s suicide bombing in Tel Aviv which killed 15 and injured over fifty civilians. The attack was the deadliest since Israel launched its massive campaign against Palestinian militants in the West Bank at the end of March.
The all Wales MEPs will be part of a European Parliamentary delegation travelling to Jenin, Tel Aviv and Ramallah between the 8th and 12th May. Rhondda AM Geraint Davies will represent the Plaid Cymru - The Party of Wales group in the National Assembly on the four day visit.
Plaid Cymru Leader in the European Parliament Jill Evans MEP said:
"Our aim is to help encourage a peaceful settlement to this violent conflict. We will be holding talks with both representatives of the Palestine Legislative Council in Ramallah and members of the Knesset in Tel Aviv. We will also visit the Jenin refugee camp and hold talks with non-governmental organisations and various peace organisations."
"This latest suicide bombing will make our task much more difficult but it underlines the importance of our visit. A policy of force can never get rid of the levels of desperation and despair that lead to further acts of violence. There must be a just and peaceful solution for the long term as well as a swift response to stop the killing now. We must ensure that we keep up the pressure in every way we can to achieve that lasting peace."
Eurig Wyn MEP said:
"We will visit the area on Europe Day, 9 May, which is in itself significant for it commemorates the founding of the EU, that was to ensure peace and harmony in Europe following the last war."
"The protection of civilians is paramount and we demand the immediate deployment of a UN peace-keeping force and humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict."
Geraint Davies AM added:
"It will be a daunting experience to see at first hand the very tragic and dangerous situation faced by the people there. The whole international community must voice its determination to find a peaceful settlement to this terrible war."
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