UN Calls For End To Israeli Blockade Of Gaza Strip

UN Calls For End To Israeli Blockade Of Gaza Strip

Wednesday, 19 November 2008, 10:45 am

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0811/S00287.htm

18 November 2008 – The top United Nations human rights official
called today for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade of the
Gaza Strip, which she said contravened international law and had
deprived those living there of their most basic human rights for
months.

"By function of this blockade, 1.5 million Palestinian men, women
and children have been forcibly deprived of their most basic human
rights for months," said Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights. "This is in direct contravention of international
human rights and humanitarian law. It must end now," she said.

Ms. Pillay called on the Israeli authorities to facilitate the
urgent passage of essential humanitarian goods into Gaza, including
food, medical supplies and fuel, to allow the immediate restoration
of electricity, water and other essential services, and to lift
restrictions on the movement of civilians for medical, educational
and religious purposes.

"Decisive steps must be taken to preserve the dignity and basic
welfare of the civilian population, more than half of which are
children," she said.

Ms. Pillay welcomed the decision by Israel to allow a limited number
of trucks to enter Gaza on 17 November, but recalled its obligation
to refrain from all measures that contravene international law.

"Only a full lifting of the blockade followed by a strong
humanitarian response will be adequate to relieve the massive
humanitarian suffering evident in Gaza today," she said.

The High Commissioner also appealed for a complete cessation of
Israeli air strikes and incursions, and of rocket fire by
Palestinian groups.