Red Cross calls for sustainable solution to Gaza hardship 

Geneva, 14 June-(ANA)-The only sustainable solution the hardship faced by the 1.5million people in Gaza on Gaza strip, the international Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)  has said.

In a statement, ICRC said the serious incidents that took place on 31 May between Israeli forces and activists on a flotilla heading for Gaza once again put the spotlight on the acute hardship faced by the population in the Gaza Strip.

The closure imposed on the Gaza Strip is about to enter its fourth year, choking off any real possibility of economic development, the ICRC said, adding that Gazans continue to suffer from unemployment, poverty and warfare, while the quality of Gaza's health care system has reached an all-time low.

The whole of Gaza's civilian population is being punished for acts for which they bear no responsibility. The closure therefore constitutes a collective punishment imposed in clear violation of Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law.

The ICRC  urges those detaining Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to grant him the regular contact with his family to which he is entitled. It also reiterates that those detaining him have an obligation to ensure that he is well treated and that his living conditions are humane and dignified.(ANA)

FA/ANA/14 June 2010------