The Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) is preparing to receive the largest delegation of European parliamentarians since the imposition of the blockade against the Gaza Strip. The delegation of MEPs is expected to visit Gaza in the next few days to see for themselves the ongoing effects of Israel’s devastating assault one year ago.

Dr. Ahmad Bahar, the deputy speaker of the PLC, will lead a high-ranking Palestinian parliamentary delegation preparing to receive the European delegation at the Rafah border crossing tomorrow (Friday 15 January). The PLC and the MEPs are expected to discuss a number of issues relating to the current impasse in the peace process as well as international inaction on the Israeli-led blockade of the territory.

The visit is being organised by the European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, which said that it has coordinated the arrangements with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. Around 50 European parliamentarians from 12 countries across Europe, including former ministers, will take part in the visit. They are expected to report back with their findings to the European Parliament and their national constituencies.