UNRWA CALLS FOR LIFTING GAZA BLOCKADE

Gaza, 3 Jumadil Akhir 1436/23 March 2015 (MINA) – UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) Commissioner General Pierre Krahenbuhl on Sunday called on Israeli authorities to lift a blockade they have been imposing on the Gaza Strip since 2007.

During the inauguration of a school in the eastern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, Krahenbuhl said that the blockade on the Gaza Strip was no longer acceptable.

The school is the first to be reconstructed in the Gaza Strip following a 51-day Israeli offensive on it in July and August of 2014, World Bulletin quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Krahenbuhl said the Israeli blockade and delaying the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip following the Israeli offensive were causes for concern.

The UN official also called on the international community to work together to bring an end to Israel’s siege on Gaza, describing it as both “illegal” and “illegitimate.”

He said when he meets official from donor countries, he always tells them that aid offered to the Gaza Strip cannot be suspended.

He went on to say that exacerbating unemployment in the Gaza Strip could engender desperation and anger.
Krahenbuhl said UNRWA had repeatedly addressed donor countries to honor financial pledges they made for the Gaza Strip during a reconstruction conference in Egyptian capital Cairo.

In October of 2014, donor countries pledged to offer $5.4 billion for the Palestinians in general, including $2.6 billion for the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip.

Israel’s latest offensive on the Gaza Strip left thousands of Palestinian homes and public facilities either in total or partial ruin. The blockade has deprived the territory’s 1.9-million population of most basic needs. (T/P002/P3)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)