Gaza: UN offical says “Blockades continue in order to protect Israeli settlements”

Mr. Maxwell Gaylard, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and UN Coordinator for Humanitarian and Development Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, briefed reporters today on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Gaza war from 27 Dec to 20 January he said “increased the limitations of food items and medical supplies.”

“The blockade continues,” he said. “What was once a thriving trading area, these days, is a welfare society.”

He added that 80 percent of the civilians in Gaza now rely on some sort of assistance either through the United Nations or another international aid institutions. The UN states pledges made at the Gaza reconstruction conference were received, but the blockades by the Israeli government have continued so the goods remain on the border. No cement, wood or other housing item has been allowed in. Over 4,000 homes were damaged and 40,000 displaced due to broken glass by missiles and gun fire.

On the West Bank, Gaylard said the key word is “fragmentation.” He said UNRWA (UN Relief and Works Agency) remains a major player, “but in a system with two sets of roads–one for the Israeli settlers and one for the Palestinians–it makes it a great challenge for anyone to move.”  UNRWA continues to try to provide water, food, and educational materials. The area has also been greatly affected by drought and many Palestinian farmers remain cut off.

“There will be no significant economic development in the West Bank, until movement and access is eased,” Gaylard added. “We do not want to continue to provide humanitarian relief–the answer is economic and social development.”

He also said there are about 630 blockades in place to protect what he believes are “Israeli settlements”–there are 450,000 people in 139 outposts according to the UN’S OCHA (Organization for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs). He added that lines of communication with Israel at the operational level have remained good–”at the senior levels– and policy-making levels though, we don’t see any change than before.” On the blockades, he claimed “while some are lifted, there are an awful lot left throughout the region.”