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UN human rights chief calls for end to Israeli blockade of Gaza Strip
http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=28983&Cr=palestin&Cr1=

 18 November 2008 - The top United Nations human rights official called 
today for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, which 
she said contravened international law and had deprived those living there 
of their most basic human rights for months.
"By function of this blockade, 1.5 million Palestinian men, women and 
children have been forcibly deprived of their most basic human rights for 
months," said Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. "This 
is in direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian 
law. It must end now," she said.

Ms. Pillay called on the Israeli authorities to facilitate the urgent 
passage of essential humanitarian goods into Gaza, including food, medical 
supplies and fuel, to allow the immediate restoration of electricity, water 
and other essential services, and to lift restrictions on the movement of 
civilians for medical, educational and religious purposes.

"Decisive steps must be taken to preserve the dignity and basic welfare of 
the civilian population, more than half of which are children," she said.

Ms. Pillay welcomed the decision by Israel to allow a limited number of 
trucks to enter Gaza on 17 November, but recalled its obligation to refrain 
from all measures that contravene international law.

"Only a full lifting of the blockade followed by a strong humanitarian 
response will be adequate to relieve the massive humanitarian suffering 
evident in Gaza today," she said.

The High Commissioner also appealed for a complete cessation of Israeli air 
strikes and incursions, and of rocket fire by Palestinian groups.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon telephoned Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert 
today to express his deep concern over the consequences of the deteriorating 
humanitarian situation inside Gaza.

Mr. Ban strongly urged Mr. Olmert to facilitate the freer movement of 
humanitarian supplies and needed UN personnel into Gaza.

The Israeli leader denounced the continuing rocket fire into Israeli from 
Gaza, but agreed to look seriously into the matter raised by Mr. Ban, 
according to a read-out of the telephone call.

Also today, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the 
Near East (UNRWA) drew attention to what it called "unprecedented levels of 
hardship" in Gaza. It said mothers were being turned away from UNRWA food 
centres without powdered milk for their babies, while the agency had been 
unable to get supplies in, even for blind children.