GAZA, November 19, 2008 (WAFA)- Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights condemned, Wednesday, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempt to justify the illegal siege of Gaza.

In a press release published Wednesday, Al-Mezan condemned the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairsf assertion aimed at validating gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law while the welfare and wellbeing of 1.5 million people in Gaza deteriorate so rapidly.

AL-Mezan said that Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement expressing its shock by what it called the one-sided statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

The Center explained that, the High Commissioner's statement came after mounting reports about the human rights and humanitarian impacts of the Israeli siege. Israel has been enforcing this siege for many years, but particularly intensified it recently.

Al Mezan, monitoring the situation with much concern, stated that, during the past fourteen days, food, medical and fuel supplies have been suspended under a decision by the Israeli Army Minister.

This reality of human misery in Gaza is the direct outcome of policies that are designed to bring this type of effect and suffering for Gaza's population. Al Mezan said that, gsecurity concerns cannot justify contempt or disregard of international law.h They elaborated that Israel has an obligation to ensure that its forces act in conformity with its outstanding obligations under international law.

Al Mezan Center finally, welcomed the High Commissioner's statement which they considered, gin full conformity with the standards she is entrusted to promote in the world.h The Center called on the international community to take a clearer, more effective position against the policy of collective punishment of Gaza.