LONDON, March 17, 2010 (WAFA)- As EU foreign policy chief Baroness Ashton prepares to visit the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Oxfam International urged her to make the immediate lifting of the Israeli-imposed blockade her top priority.

 High Representative Ashton is demonstrating great leadership by visiting Gaza to see for herself the devastating impact of the ongoing blockade on the daily lives of 1.5 million Gazans. After more than 1000 days under blockade Gaza’s economy is on the verge of collapse, basic water and sanitation services are crippled, and ordinary Gazans are struggling to make a living. The EU, which is the largest donor to the Palestinians, has spoken out on human rights violations in the region but has so far failed to match its strong words with action.

 “Over US$4 billion was pledged to assist reconstruction and development following last year’s military operation by Israel, but little of this money has been spent due to Israel’s closure policy. It is now time for the international community to put its mouth where its money is and insist that Israel fully opens all the crossings”, said Oxfam International Executive Director Jeremy Hobbs.

 Though Israel has the duty to protect its citizens, it cannot impose a blockade on every civilian in Gaza. This constitutes collective punishment, which is illegal under international law. The EU should make any future upgrade in economic and political relations dependent on the end of the blockade.

 “At a moment when the European Union is aiming to build strong, unified foreign policy, Lady Ashton must bring a clear message to her Quartet counterparts in Moscow and to EU Foreign Ministers that the blockade must not be allowed to continue for a third year. This will be a step towards reaching a sustainable, just and secure peace in the Middle East”, added Jeremy Hobbs.