UN Coordinator, John Holmes, Warns the Israeli Siege of Gaza Strip Has Led to Serious Deterioration in Humanitarian Conditions

UN official calls for lifting Gaza siege

[ 03/03/2010 - 11:16 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)--

John Holmes, the UN coordinator of humanitarian affairs in the occupied Palestinian lands, said that the Israeli siege on Gaza Strip has led to serious deterioration in the humanitarian conditions in the Strip.

Holmes told a press conference in Gaza on Tuesday during his first visit to the Strip that the serious situation in Gaza is the result of the political failure of all parties to solve the Palestine cause and end the suffering of the Gaza people.

The UN official expressed dismay at the continued siege and collective punishment against citizens of the Strip, noting that poverty and unemployment rates had soared.

The current situation is frustrating and not encouraging, he said, calling for lifting the siege and opening all crossings.

Holmes said that the closure of tunnels between Gaza and Egypt at the present time would only aggravate the humanitarian conditions because they provide many of the basic needs of the inhabitants.

He hoped that Gaza life would return to normalcy soon and that construction material would be allowed into the Strip.

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