Statement by Commissioner Michel on humanitarian situation in Gaza and West Bank
European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, today expressed his increasing concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Commissioner Michel stated, "I am extremely concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the continued closure of the Gaza crossings. Since 4th November, only one crossing (Kerem Shalom) has been open for four days only (17, 24, 26 and 27 November), with limited quantities of humanitarian food supplies allowed through. I have repeatedly condemned rocket attacks targeting Israeli civilians and I reiterate this condemnation today. However, the continued closure of Gaza crossings is a form of collective punishment against Palestinian civilians, which is a violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL)." The European Commission highlights the need for an end to all impediments to the freedom of movement of civilians and humanitarian workers as well as actions that can lead to increased numbers of internally displaced people. Commissioner Michel added, "In both Gaza and the West Bank, my main concern is that humanitarian aid gets to the civilian populations in need of it most. That's why the neutrality, impartiality and independence of humanitarian organisations must be respected allowing their representatives immediate, free and secure access to vulnerable Palestinian populations in both Gaza and the West Bank." Background:
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