Archive for February, 2009

Hunger striking in the snow

Press: Hunger striker urges action against Israel relationship

Maria in 4th week of hunger strike

“If Israel does not lift the blockade, there is going to be no resolve for peace.”

Maria Gallastegui, who has been on hunger strike for over 3 weeks opposite the Houses of Parliament in London to protest against the situation in Gaza, will protest at the Prime Minister’s door on Tuesday 3 February at 11.30am.

Maria started the hunger strike on the 12 January – the day that MPs and Lords returned to Parliament – and has been taking in only liquids since. There is a large banner opposite Parliament displaying the number of days the hunger strike has continued.

On Tuesday morning, Maria will, for the fourth week since she started the hunger strike, take her demands to 10 Downing Street at the same time as Ministers assemble for the Cabinet meeting. She will personally deliver a petition to the Prime Minister.

As well as demanding an end to arms sales to Israel and that a war crimes tribunal is instigated, Ms Gallastegui will be demanding that the UK government do all that it can to stop the economic blockade of Gaza. She said, “If Israel does not lift the blockade, there is going to be no resolve for peace.”