BrownWatch

View Original

UN warns of 'growing Gaza crisis'

The United Nations has warned in a special report of an impending humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.  It says as many as 72% of Palestinians will be living in poverty by the end of 2006, and that Israeli restrictions are hampering emergency aid deliveries. Since 28 September, 82 Palestinians and five Israelis have been killed in Gaza, including 26 children, the report says. Compiled by 12 UN agencies, the report calls on Israel to allow the agencies free access throughout the strip. "The UN organisations recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns, particularly the need to stop Palestinian rocket and mortar attacks into civilian areas, however its actions should be in conformity with international humanitarian law and it should not use disproportionate force," the report says. [more ]