Statement on Gaza

Rt Hon Helen Clark, Labour Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, today expressed concern that the United Nations Security Council had been unable to agree on a further call for a ceasefire to hostilities in Gaza.

Helen Clark said that the need for a ceasefire was even more pressing now that Israel had mounted a land forces incursion, & that further significant loss of life, including of innocent civilians, was inevitable as the conflict escalates.

"There is no road to peace between Israel & the Palestinians through this conflict in Gaza, but rather a deepening polarisation between the two sides which makes it even more difficult for a long term settlement to be achieved.

"It is to be hoped that the various initiatives to achieve a ceasefire, including Monday's planned visit by President Sarkozy of France, will be able to make progress on bringing this deadly conflict to an end & allowing progress on a negotiated settlement between the two sides", Helen Clark said.

ENDS