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The Gaza Strip has received its highest-ranking American delegation in many years.
The American International School in Gaza was destroyed
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, John Kerry, and two members of the House of Representatives toured the areas hit by Israeli attacks during the three week long offensive.
Congressmen Keith Ellison from Minnesota was one of those with the American delegation.
What struck him most about his time in Gaza?
Listen Listen to Congressman Keith Ellison (4 mins 29 secs)
During the American delegation's visit to Gaza, the Palestinian group Hamas passed a letter to Senator Kerry which they asked to be passed on to President Obama.
Karen Abu Zayd, head of the UN relief organisation, UNRWA, said the visit was a major step forward.
Listen Listen to Karen Abu Zayd (2 mins 47 secs)
First broadcast 19 February 2009
