Palestinian suffering has reached new depths. Peace cannot be built by reducing 1.5m people to a state of abject destitution
Karen Koning AbuZayd in Gaza City
(commissioner general for Unrwa, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees )
Wednesday January 23, 2008
The Guardian
Contributed by Lucia in Spain
"Gaza is on the threshold of becoming the first territory to be intentionally reduced to a state of abject destitution, with the knowledge, acquiescence and - some would say - encouragement of the international community. An international community that professes to uphold the inherent dignity of every human being must not allow this to happen.....
Gaza's border closures are without precedent. Palestinians are effectively incarcerated. The overwhelming majority cannot leave or enter Gaza. Without fuel and spare parts, public health conditions are declining steeply as water and sanitation services struggle to function.....
As the head of a humanitarian and human development agency for Palestinian refugees, I am deeply concerned by the stark inhumanity of Gaza's closure. I am disturbed by the seeming indifference of much of the world as hundreds and thousands of Palestinians are harshly penalised for acts in which they have no part......
The people of Gaza have been spared from reaching new depths of anguish - but only for the moment.
There has never been a more urgent need for the international community to act to restore normality in Gaza. Hungry, unhealthy, angry communities do not make good partners for peace."
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