In today's Guardian newspaper, the Green Party leader drew attention to the EU-Israel association agreement. Under this agreement, the EU could suspend preferential trading links between the EU and Israel on the grounds of the Israeli government's failure to adhere to its human rights clauses.
Caroline Lucas said, "By choosing to upgrade EU relations with Israel just a few weeks ago (against the advice of the majority in the European Parliament), EU leaders have squandered a key opportunity to put real pressure on the Israeli authorities to lift the blockade."
Dr Lucas added: "Israel's continuing assault on Gaza is not only 'disproportionate,' as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is reported as saying. It is also deeply counter-productive."
Commenting on the long-term situation Dr Lucas said, "The population of Gaza is already suffering the devastating consequences of the Israeli blockade, which has accelerated their decline into even greater hunger and poverty. Casualties among the civilian population only serve to make people more angry, and sow the seeds for further conflict.
"Violence can never be justified or condoned on either side. But the longer the deadly blockade and occupation continue, the further away the conditions for peace will get."