World Vision Jerusalem is increasingly concerned by the isolation and consequential steady deterioration in the living
conditions of Gaza's civilian population. The current isolation has generated a serious crisis for the people of Gaza, particularly as a result of a rapidly deteriorating health situation and a
worsening food crisis. Maintaining the current isolation and limited access drives the population into deeper poverty, increases dependency on external aid and places civilians in life-threatening
situations.
World Vision Jerusalem condemns indiscriminate attacks against civilians by all parties. However, the decision to limit fuel and electricity to the general population
constitutes a form of collective punishment which directly contravenes international humanitarian law.
When closures are in effect food and medical supplies run low. Preventing such
supplies from entering the Gaza Strip as well as fuel cuts threatens the health needs of Palestinians as hospitals are relying on fuel to power generators. Due to these fuel cuts basic life-saving
treatment is coming under increased pressure.
We call for an end to the fuel cuts and restrictions of humanitarian goods because it unduly impacts innocent civilians in Gaza.
We
call for an end to the indiscriminate targeting of civilians by all parties to the conflict.
We urge all parties to return to negotiations and to resolve outstanding differences
peacefully.
We urge all parties to address and prioritize the rights and safety of Palestinian and Israeli children. More than 1,000 children on both sides have already lost their lives to
this conflict since 2000.
We urge the international community to take up its responsibility to urgently work for a diplomatic solution to this crisis.
World Vision has worked
in Gaza since 1975. Our current development programme in Gaza benefits 47,000 people.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
Palestinian lawmakers attend a parliament session in candlelight during a power cut in Gaza January 22, 2008. Israel agreed to allow some fuel, medicine and food into the Hamas-run Gaza Strip ...
