UN expert calls for pressure on Israel to end blockade of Gaza
The United Nations independent expert for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Richard Falk, is calling for pressure on Israel to end the blockade of Gaza.
The call comes on the eve of the anniversary of the Israeli military campaign against Gaza.
Mr. Falk says the ordeal of the 1.5 million residents of Gaza affected by the Israeli blockade, over half of whom are children, has been allowed to continue without any formal objection by governments and at the UN.
He says the most outrageous element of the present situation is the continuation of the blockade under the circumstances of devastation and suffering caused by the war of a year ago.
"And this is underscored by the refusal to allow even building materials to enter the Gaza strip, which were necessary both to rebuild the damage to residential and public buildings, but also to repair the electricity and sanitation systems."
Richard Falk says calls by prominent personalities including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and United States President Barack Obama have fallen on deaf ears.
He is suggesting that if these actors are to do something that has a possibility of exerting real influence, it has to be reinforced by a threat of adverse economic consequences for Israel.
Jocelyne Sambira, UN Radio.
(duration: 1'27")
Sound bites
Richard Falk Cut
"And this is underscored by the refusal to allow even building materials to enter the Gaza strip, which were necessary both to rebuild the damage to residential and public buildings, but also to repair the electricity and sanitation systems."
Duration: 00:00:25