The weekend’s upsurge in violence and human misery underlines the urgency of this report say its coalition of authors Amnesty International, CARE International UK, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Médecins du Monde UK, Oxfam, Save The Children UK and Trócaire.
They warn that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is a collective punishment of the entire Gazan civilian population of 1.5 million. The report concludes that the Israeli Government’s policy of blockade is unacceptable, illegal and fails to deliver security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of CARE International UK said: “The recent escalation in violence, both from rocket attacks and military strikes, will make life even more unbearable in Gaza. Unemployment has soared and 80 per cent of people in Gaza are now dependent on food aid compared to 63 per cent in 2006.
"Water and sewage infrastructure is on the point of total collapse. Unless the blockade ends now, it will be impossible to pull Gaza back from the brink of this disaster and any hopes for peace in the region will be dashed.”
According to the report, the blockade of Gaza has dramatically worsened levels of poverty and unemployment and has led to deterioration in education and health services. Over 1.1 million people are now dependent on food aid and of 110,000 workers previously employed in the private sector, 75,000 workers have now lost their jobs.
