British MEP Sir Robert Atkins has apologised for suggesting pressure should be put on Jews in the diaspora over the treatment of Palestinians.
Board of Deputies president Vivian Wineman met the Conservative MEP on Friday to demand an apology. On his personal blog, Sir Robert had written: “Pressure must be exerted on Israel and her diaspora to realise that what they are doing in Palestine generally, and Gaza specifically, is not only illegal under international law but is also inhumane.
“It is reminiscent of the treatment experienced by Jews in Europe during parts of the last century.”
The MEP visited Gaza last month with UNWRA. In his report, he alleged that death by torture was acceptable in Israeli courts, and described Hamas MPs as much more far-sighted then Fatah which, in Gaza, is in a minority.” He added: “Israel, the USA, the ineffective Quartet and EU, must include Hamas.”
