By IINA
London : The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is at its worst since the occupation began in 1967, according to British human rights and aid groups. The coalition of groups including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Christian Aid have all criticized Israel’s blockade on Gaza, branding it as illegal collective punishment. They also called on the international community to resume dialogue with Hamas, as the “international policy of isolating Hamas has not reaped any benefits.” The report entitled “Gaza Strip: A Humanitarian Implosion” says that the blockade has dramatically worsened levels of poverty and unemployment, and has led to deterioration in education and health services. More than 1.1 million Gazans are dependent on food aid and of 110,000 workers previously employed in the private sector, 75,000 have now lost their jobs, the report says. “Unless the blockade ends now, it will be impossible to pull Gaza back from the brink of this disaster and any hopes for peace in the region will be dashed,” said Geoffrey Dennis, of Care International UK.
The groups have also called on Israel to ensure people in Gaza are able to get basic necessities such as clean water, food and…electricity. “The situation for 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is worse now than at any time since the beginning of the Israeli military occupation in 1967,” said Amnesty UK Director Kate Allen and added: “The current situation is man-made and must be reversed.” Other recommendations from the groups include international engagement with the Hamas movement. “Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet (the US and UN, Europe and Russia) engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future,” said Daleep Mukarji of Christian Aid.
The UK-based groups agree that Israel has the right and obligation to protect its citizens, urging both sides to cease unlawful attacks on civilians. But they call upon Israel to comply with its obligations, as the occupying power in Gaza, to ensure its inhabitants have access to food, clean water, electricity and medical care, which have been in short supply in the strip. Last week Israeli forces launched a bloody and destructive raid in northern Gaza, in which more than 120 Palestinians – including many civilians – were killed. Israel pulled its troops and settlers out of the Gaza Strip in 2005, but retains control over Gaza’s airspace and coastline, and over its own border with the territory. It tightened its blockade in January amid a surge in rocket attacks by Palestinian fighters in Gaza.