The UN Security Council held an emergency session on Tuesday to
discuss the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip
following an Israeli closure of nearly all crossings into the
territory.
The meeting was held in response to a request by Arab countries
in a move to urge the 15-member body to help end the lockdown of
Gaza which has effectively blocked humanitarian assistance to the
1.5 million population in Gaza.
Briefing council, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs
Lynn Pascoe expressed continued UN concern about what he termed the
"extremely fragile" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip while
strongly urging Israel to allow "regular and unimpeded" delivery of
fuel and basic necessities to the area.
The top political chief also warned Israel against what he
called "collective penalties" for the Palestinian people.
"Israel must reconsider and ease its policy of pressuring the
civilian population of Gaza for the unacceptable actions of
militants," Pascoe said, "Collective penalties are prohibited under
international law."
Council delegates were discussing a draft presidential statement
prepared by Libya, the council's president for this month, which
would call on Israel to end its restrictions and ensure access for
humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
The text, which has the support of Arab countries, has been
opposed by Israel and its Western allies including the United
States.
(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)
