EU demands an end to the Israeli collective punishment of 1.5 million people in Gaza

Wednesday September 26, 2007 15:26 by Maisa Abu Ghazalah - IMEMCNews manarjibrin at gmail dot com

The European Union has demanded immediate steps to end the Israeli occupation government's collective punishment of (1.5 million) Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. It is destroying the economy, obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid and impeding development projects.

A delegation from the EU has warned of the dangers and the unpredictable consequences of the current crisis. It also said that the planned November summit represents an opportunity to achieve peace between Israeli and Palestine, providing that all parties show goodwill towards finding a solution to the conflict

It also demanded a halt to Palestinian attacks against Israeli targets and called for Israel to remove checkpoints and road blocks, restore freedom of movement for people and goods and cease military attacks against Palestinian civilians

The EU delegation visited agricultural projects in the Gaza Strip and the al-Shifa local hospital. Meetings were held with a number of officials including the Minister of Planning and the Mayors of Gaza city and the West Bank city of Hebron. Several human rights activists and representatives of the civil and business communities were also present. Delegates heard testimonies relating to the problem of food, water and power supplies and the difficulties facing the education and health sectors.

In a press release the EU stated that "The situation in the Palestinian territories continues to deteriorate; this leads to a situation where more and more people depend on emergency aid". The delegation discussed ways in which economic activity can be stimulated and political obstacles removed.

The rate of unemployment has increased sharply to around 70% as most enterprises and shops have closed down. Many families are unable to buy basic goods, including bread. It also acknowledged the need for more spending on health care in Gaza and noted the problem of water pollution in the area.

There is also deep concern about Israel's decision to cut supplies of essential services such as fuel and electricity to Gaza. The only way, the report says, of moving towards a peace settlement is through negotiation and by reaching agreements about the removal of conditions which make life almost impossible for Palestinians – the building of the Wall, the military occupation and repeated invasions of the West Bank.

Tranlated by Manar Jibrin

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