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Itzik: New pointless war
Photo: Yaron Brener
Food distributed to refugees
Photo: AP

Israel to send aid to Georgia

Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik announces MKs will visit battle-stricken region soon in order to assist in post-war rehabilitation. 'As member of Jewish people, when I see convoys of destitute refugees this war has left behind, I can't just sit by,' she says

Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik said Wednesday during a Knesset meeting that a number of MKs are scheduled to leave for Georgia soon, in an attempt to assist the ailing country in its post-war rehabilitation. The aim, Itzik said, is to concentrate on the battle-stricken areas without racial discrimination.

 

"A new war has entered the ever growing list of pointless wars," she said. "Shocking images of killing, maiming, destruction, and convoys of refugees have once again come back to us. As a member of the Jewish people, when I see convoys of destitute refugees, thousands of people that have remained homeless and disheartened, when I see images of the impoverishment and destruction this war has left behind, I can't just sit by."

 

The Knesset speaker promised to send aid to Georgia following an appeal made by MK Avraham Michaeli (Shas).

 

"The State of Israel, a symbol of the rehabilitation of a shattered people and a record of proven capabilities, is ready and willing to donate its vast experience in aiding the rehabilitation process. We will do this without being sucked into the conflict, and because it is our way, to help a friend in need," she said.

 

Despite a ceasefire agreement signed between Russia and Georgia almost a week ago, vast Russian forces are still operating within Georgian territory, in cities and central roads, and strategic areas within the country. The agreement calls on both of the sides to withdraw to pre-war borders.

 

Earlier this week a UN convoy gained entry to the Georgian city of Gori for the first time since the battles began. A UN statement said soldiers had seen signs of looting in stores and private places of residence. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said that only about 50 to 60 people remain in Gori, the rest of its residents having fled. Around 158,600 people had to flee their homes during the war in Georgia.

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.20.08, 17:31
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