Simon Danczuk tells Government to push for end to Gaza blockade

Simon Danczuk MP

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has urged the government to do more to stop the blockade of Gaza and boost the Palestinian economy.

In a House of Commons debate on International Development, Mr Danczuk highlighted the fact that youth unemployment in Gaza stands at 60%.

Addressing Government minister Desmond Swayne, Mr Danczuk argued that “the real problem” affecting the Palestinian economy is the blockade of Gaza by Israeli forces.

He said: “Gaza still faces restriction of access to 35% of its agricultural land, 85% of its fishable water and Gazans are rarely allowed to travel outside of their territory.

“Until such restrictions are lifted, the Department for International Development will continue to work with one arm tied behind its back.

“Does the Minister not agree that the real problem is the blockade of Gaza?”

In response, Mr Swayne argued that the restrictions made economic development in Gaza difficult but insisted the Government’s existing policy is making “progress”.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Danczuk said: “The Government might believe they are making progress on this issue, but for the 60% of young Gazans desperate to find work, they are not progressing fast enough.

“The Government needs to put more pressure on the Israeli authorities to lift this blockade which is have a devastating effect on the Palestinian economy and condemning families to lives of poverty.”