United Nations Radio

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, is calling for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

In a statement Tuesday, Ms. Pillay says “by function of this blockade, 1.5 million Palestinian men, women and children have been forcibly deprived of their most basic human rights for months.”

She says “this is in direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law,” adding “it must end now.”

High Commissioner Pillay also calls for the Israeli authorities to facilitate the urgent passage of essential humanitarian goods, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, to immediately allow the restoration of electricity, water and other essential services and to lift the movement of restrictions preventing the passage of civilians for medical, educational and religious purposes.

She says, “Decisive steps must be taken to preserve the dignity and basic welfare of the civilian population, more than half of which are children.”

High Commissioner Pillay also calls on all sides to respect international law and the security of civilian populations.

And she appeals for a complete cessation of Israeli air strikes and incursions, and of rocket fire by Palestinian groups.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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