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Blair Expresses Concern at Gaza Situation

 

 

LONDON, November 23, 2008 (WAFA)- Tony Blair, representative of the United Nations-backed Middle East Quartet has added his voice, Saturday, to the growing international concerns about the humanitarian situation inside the Gaza Strip.

 

Tony Blair, the former United Kingdom Prime Minister, issued a statement saying that he was “deeply concerned by the unfolding events” in Gaza, echoing a similar statement from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson.

 

Israel's closure of Gaza crossing points has left the 1.5 million citizens of the Strip without access to many humanitarian supplies on which they are largely dependant. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned that the situation is deteriorating quickly.

 

“The immediate reopening of Gaza for the regular entry of essential humanitarian and commercial goods, including fuel, food and medicines is vital, as are efforts by all parties to facilitate the travels of Gaza's pilgrims to the Holy City of Mecca for this year's Hajj season,” Mr. Blair said in his statement.

 

He stressed that the truce agreed upon in June, must be maintained as it has provided much-needed security for the area.

 

“The only lasting solution to the desperate situation in Gaza will require an end to continued restraint and the opening of the crossings.” Blair said. He reiterated the Quartet's previously stated call for the immediate resumption of stalled UN and other donor projects in Gaza, which will facilitate economic activity, reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance and restore links between Gaza and the West Bank.

 

The Quartet, whose members are the UN, the European Union, Russia and the United States, is spearheading international efforts to try to end the long-running Middle East conflict and lead to a solution where Israel and the Palestinians can live side by side in two States.

 

 

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