There is a serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has been neglected for a very long period of time by the international community. The Israeli blockade has brought about a disastrous situation that can no longer be neglected.
Israel had eased some restrictions last June, and hence, some goods have found their way to the people in Gaza. But this is extremely limited as the Palestinians still feel the brunt of the blockade. Their plight remains "desperate", said John Ging, director of operations in Gaza for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). "The consumer goods that are available in the shops of course, do not generate an economy," because 80 per cent of Gaza's population continues to be dependent on aid, he said. The physical circumstances of the civilian population are still "extremely bleak".
There is no question that an entire population is unjustly paying the price. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 90 per cent of water is unfit for human consumption and that because of limited access to schools, no less than 40,000 children are out of schools. There is only one way to end the misery — Israel has to lift the blockade.