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Sweden On Rockets Into Israel Vs. Cutting Power
Statement
02 November 2007
Carl Bildt,
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Gunilla Carlsson, Minister
for International Development Cooperation
Carl Bildt and Gunilla Carlsson on the firing of rockets into Israel and the cutting off of electricity to Gaza
The firing of Qassam rockets into Israel must stop immediately. Attacks against civilians are a breach of international law and are counterproductive to the Palestinians' aspirations to a state of their own.
Israel has a right to defend itself against the bombardment, but cutting off electricity and fuel supplies to the civilian population of Gaza is collective punishment and is incompatible with international law. Israel's restriction of electricity supplies is therefore a matter of deep concern. We call upon Israel to reconsider its decision.
It is important that relief organisations are given unimpeded access to Gaza. The borders must be opened so that the local economy can function. Only the forces of extremism stand to gain from a further deterioration of the situation.
It is our hope that all the parties will come to their senses and support the efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ENDS
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