STOCKHOLM, November 2, 2007 (WAFA)- Two Sweden Ministers have rejected the collective punishment imposed on the Gaza Strip by Israel.

In a statement, Sweden Foreign Minister Carl Bildt and, Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson said that. Attacks against civilians are a breach of international law and are counterproductive to the Palestinians' aspirations to a state of their own.

"The firing of Qassam rockets into Israel must stop immediately. Israel has a right to defend itself against the bombardment, but cutting off electricity and fuel supplies to the civilian population of Gaza is collective punishment and is incompatible with international law. Israel's restriction of electricity supplies is therefore a matter of deep concern. We call upon Israel to reconsider its decision." according to the statement.

They called for giving relief organisations unimpeded access to Gaza. The borders must be opened so that the local economy can function. Only the forces of extremism stand to gain from a further deterioration of the situation.

They called on all the parties to come to their senses and support the efforts to achieve a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.