Update on Gaza’s Blockade

Gaza is once again in a heightened state of emergency and panic as UN food aid has been unilaterally blocked by the Israeli authorities.  According to UN and other sources, more than 80% of Gaza’s 1.5 million residents are dependent on food aid.  The Gaza Strip is completely sealed off from the outside world by the strictly manned borders with Israel and Egypt, and the Mediterranean waters patrolled by Israeli gun boats.  Palestinian civilians are once again facing the threat of military incursions.  On the other side of the border, some Palestinian rockets are reaching as far as the city of Ashkelon, terrifying the Israeli population as the cycle of violence intensifies. If the ceasefire is to continue to work at this point, Palestinians must be granted their fundamental right to food and health with food, electricity, water and fuel being restored, and the siege lifted.