UN CHIEF URGES EGYPT, ISRAEL TO END GAZA SIEGE

New York, 17 Dzulhijjah 1436/1 October 2015 (MINA) – The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, on Wednesday called on Egypt and Israel to open all border-crossings and end the tough siege on Gaza in line with Security Council resolution 1860.

Addressing the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, the UN Chief said progress in blockaded Gaza can only see the day if the siege is lifted, The Palestinian Information Center (PIC) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

“For Gaza to flourish, it will need to be able to trade with Israel, with the rest of Palestine and with the world,” Ki-moon said.

“Lasting progress can be realized only through the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1860 in all its elements, building on a full calm and a lifting of the closure,” he added.

The UN Chief said, “Far more funding is needed to support this [the reconstruction process] and the next phase of reconstruction.”

He called on “international partners to disburse the funds pledged at the Cairo conference.”

“Energy and water are also needed desperately,” Ki-moon further stated.

The UN resolution 1860 called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza leading to a full Israeli withdrawal, unimpeded provision through Gaza crossings of food, fuel, and medication.

Commenting on the situation in Occupied Jerusalem, the UN Secretary-General said: “This meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a very challenging and volatile situation on the ground. Violence and continuing clashes in and around the Old City of Jerusalem are a source of deep international concern.”

“That is why bold and concrete actions are urgently required to stabilize the situation on the ground, improve the lives of Palestinians, and strengthen Palestinian unity,” he added.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)