NEW YORK, MARCH 1, 2007 (WAFA) - Counselor to the Palestinian Observer Mission to the UN, Nadya Rasheed, said Thursday the root cause of the Palestinians continuing tragedy is the Israeli occupation.

Her notes came in a statement before the UN Commission on the Status of Women, fifty-first session.. The priority theme is the elimination of all forms discrimination and violence against girl child.

"it cannot be overemphasized how severely Palestinian girls have been affected by the ongoing aggression and violence being perpetrated by the Israel," said Ms. Rasheed.

She added that their suffering has been immense and constant. "Not only have they been killed, they have also been injured, maimed, arrested and detained. they have been left homeless, left motherless and fatherless".

Tragically, she said, the lives of Palestinian girls is one in which thy are under constant threat for there is no refuge or safe haven, when even their homes, classrooms, and hospitals are not protected from the violence committed by Israel.

We must go beyond assistance and reporting, she said, calling for imposing sanctions against Israel if it continues to violate its international obligations.

A.D (23:53P) (21:53GMT)