In Gaza a Siege fire instead of Ceasefire
 
By Sameh A. Habeeb

April 8, 2009
 
 

	Actions strongly required as borders are severely restricted... Patients still dying and death toll 313 as no exit, no enough medicines... Tens of thousands displaced... Re construction not allowed... Extreme poverty and unemployment paralyzing life... Freedom of Movement is a taboo...

The European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza, (ECESG) calls upon all International Organization working on the Gaza Strip to intervene immediately. The siege is not only suffocating the people of Gaza, depriving them of basic necessities, it is also breaking international law.  In the wake of  the siege, which even after three years shows no sign of abating, numerous international condemnation desperate plea have been shamelessly rejected by the Israeli authorities.

Crossings operate with low capacity while thousands of basic commodities are still denied entry into Gaza.  Many promises have been made to improve the living conditions, which thus far, has not materialized.

In a statement during a recent press conference by the Operations director of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees  in the Near East (UNRWA), described the situation as ‘wholly and totally inadequate’. He further went on to say ‘the situation was having a devastating impact on the physical circumstances and the mindsets of the people living there. “We need access; it’s the number one issue, it’s the number two issue, it’s the number three issue,” said John Ging at a Headquarters press conference this afternoon.  “Until and unless we can get humanitarian assistance in, in an unfettered way, we can’t even begin recovery and reconstruction

ECESG is striving desperately for an immediate solution for thousands of Palestinians, whose perpetual refuges status is further exacerbated by the siege, who are again made “New refugees" as their houses were either partially or totally damaged. A considerable number of them live in schools, public hostels while other are scattered in humble camps set by International organizations. Israel, despite the so-called ceasefire does not allow cement, iron, raw materials for reconstruction of Gaza.

Border Crossing and freedom of movement continue to be a   severe obstacle. Israel allows a third of the quantities of goods from trucks which number 500 to 600 a day to enter Gaza. As one can imagine the protracted siege combined with the extreme poverty, where 85% are below the poverty line, have greatly precipitated the suffering.

School conditions have greatly worsened as large numbers of students return to their tiny classrooms. No new schools are being built and no improvements have been made. Additionally, medical facilities were not built and improvements were never made since the start of the siege. According to the Palestinian ministry of health in Gaza, a dangerously large number of medicines and medical equipments are no longer available. Around 313 people have died due to lack of medicines

In Sharm El-Shaikh, the world leaders promised 4 billions of aid to Gaza however borders are still closed and the siege stands with disregard to unanimous condemnation.

ECESG requests that all International organizations take reasonability towards removing the Gaza siege.
 
Sameh A. Habeeb
European Campaign to End the Siege on Gaza
Press Officer and Researcher
E-mail: sameh.habeeb@prc.org
Website: www.savegaza.eu
100 Crown House, London, UK
NW10 7PN
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8453 0919
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8453 0994