John Ging's visit in London

John Ging speaking at Forward Thinking in November 2009



Forward Thinking has facilitated a meeting on 30th November between UNRWA Director of operations in Gaza, John Ging and representatives of selected organisations and institutions in London concerned with the peace-process in the Middle East and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. These included representatives from the international community, peace activists, journalists and members of Muslim organisations.

While acknowledging the fact that a small minority of the people in Gaza do engage in extremist action, Mr. Ging relayed that the people of Gaza are being tremendously stoic and resilient with respect to their desire for an end to the conflict and the restoration of a dignified existence.

Mr. Ging detailed UNRWA's extremely difficult task of maintaining hope and a vision of peace and moderation within the youth of Gaza amidst the waves of destruction and violence.

He also emphasised that the main casualty in the conflict is the truth. He felt that the truth of the conditions of living and daily lives of people in Gaza is not portrayed in the media and within political and policy making community of Europe.

Mr. Ging, therefore, urged European leaders to visit Gaza in order to have first hand experience of what is happening on the ground that could better inform their policy and decision-making.

Mr. Ging's presentation was followed by discussion with participants who all agreed that a first hand experience of the truth is welcome as it creates a more sustained pressure on European governments to adopt realist policies informed by the actual events in Gaza, particularly those that transcend political agendas and involve real people.

Forward Thinking remains committed to facilitating discussion amongst key stakeholders in the peace process in the Middle East while promoting moderation and realism with respect to policies adopted at national and international level.