Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

I’ve just got back from the protest in Swansea city centre. It was really well attended, and a successful demonstration. I spoke at the demo to show support for the campaign to end the Israeli attacks on Gaza. Over 1,000 people have now been killed, and today we hear that two people were killed near a UN-run school. So much for Israel keeping true to their word in not targeting innocent civilians! There is set to be an Israeli cabinet meeting to determine whether or not there will be a unilateral ceasefire. Has Israel achieved its aims by acting in this way? Will it decide to end the military bombardment of Gaza amid mounting statements that their actions amount to war crimes?

I spoke to some Palestinians at the demo today, whose families are living in Gaza.They told me of the awful circumstances there. One relative is working at the hospital, and cannot prioritise treating those who are suffering the most, as they do not have the medical capacity to do so.  Aid is not reaching the area, and Save the Children report that the lulls in Israeli attacks are not sufficient for them to mobilise and to assist the wounded because they are not being told when they will take place, and for how long. People were telling me today that children are witnessing, and experiencing the most horrific scenes. I do not see how Israel can justify its actions. Let me be clear, I do not agree with Hamas retaliating with rocket attacks, but Israel’s actions fly in the face of their claims to be acting ‘proportionally’ in relation to Hamas. Their argument is not justifiable in light of the death and destruction that they have caused, and continue to cause, in Gaza.

Plaid’s Jill Evans MEP and Dafydd Iawn were today speaking at the demo in Cardiff, and called on the Welsh Assembly government takes part in European efforts to offer medical treatment to Palestinian children injured in the invasion. The EU initiative was proposed by the Belgian government, with the EU Commission co-ordinating the medical evacuation of badly injured children to hospitals in Brussels.  Plaid has also welcomed the halt in trade talks between the EU and Israel in relation to elevating Israel’s trade agreement with Europe in a bid to put pressure on Israel to announce a ceasefire.

I sincerely hope that everyone who is interested in this issue attends the Assembly debate on Wednesday at the National Assembly for Wales- sending a clear sign from Wales that Israel’s actions are unacceptable, and that diplomatic efforts for a lasting peace must be prioritised.