Israel accused of violating international law with Gaza blockad

The Head of the Popular Committee against the Gaza Siege has accused Israel of the collective punishment of the people of Gaza in what he described as a “clear violation of all international conventions”. Jamal Al-Khodary, who is an independent parliamentarian, referred specifically to Israel’s ban on construction materials crossing into the “war-stricken” territory, even for UNRWA building projects.

“This situation aggravates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the number of unemployed is increasing,” said Al-Khodary. “Local residents can’t even build as much as one room thanks to the strict blockade.”

Commenting on the Israeli insistence that some materials are being allowed into the Gaza Strip, the MP pointed out that this meets less than 5 per cent of the requirements.

As a result of the blockade, many factories have closed and unemployment is rising, as is the rate of poverty amongst workers unable to find a job. “This is leading to difficult social and health problems as the situation deteriorates,” he noted.