WHO demands Israel to immediately lift its blockade on Gaza

[ 23/05/2009 - 11:02 AM ]

GENEVA, (PIC)--

The world health organization (WHO) demanded, in a resolution approved by its general assembly on Friday, Israel to immediately lift its siege on the Gaza Strip, calling for securing safe passage for Palestinian ambulances, respecting and protecting medical teams.

The resolution which was issued by the organization at a meeting of the 193 member states held last week in Geneva stressed that the Israeli closure of Gaza crossing was the reason for the serious shortage of medicines and medical supplies inside the Strip.

The WHO demanded Israel to comply with the decision issued by the international court of justice regarding the removal of the apartheid wall which has grave implications on the accessibility and quality of medical services received by the Palestinian citizens in the occupied Palestinian lands including east Jerusalem.

According to the resolution, Israel is also demanded to improve the living and medical conditions of Palestinian prisoners in its jails especially children, women and patients.

Egyptian security seize 350 cartons of knives and forks; search collapsed tunnel for bodies

Date: 23 / 05 / 2009  Time:  10:10
Bethlehem - Ma'an -

Egyptian security searched for people trapped inside a collapsed smuggling tunnel at Rafah Saturday, sources said.

The security personnel discovered the collapsed underground passage along with two other intact tunnels and a smugglers bunker where goods for transport to Gaza were being stored. Goods, which were seized, included kitchen supplies and household appliances.

Egyptian security said they also found large amounts of wood, refrigerators and washing machines in addition to 350 cartons filled with kitchen utensils, shoes and clothing waiting to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip.

Al-Amal convoy expected to reach Rafah Sunday

Date: 23 / 05 / 2009  Time:  10:40
Gaza - Ma'an -

The Gaza de facto governmental committee to break the siege on Gaza announced that the “Al-Amal” (hope) convoy will reach the Gaza Strip on Sunday morning.

The convoy was delayed as it waited for permission from Egyptian authorities to dock at Port Said on Thursday and Friday. The ship docked late Friday, will unload and travel to the Rafah crossing to deliver supplies, including aids for the disabled and medical equipment, on Sunday.

Chairman of the committee to end the siege Hamdi Sha’ath said all preparations had been made to receive the convoy.