UN warns of deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip

The United Nations has warned that the social and economic conditions in the Gaza Strip “are deteriorating” as a result of the Israel blockade of the Gaza Strip.

The United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, visited Gaza on Wednesday and released a statement saying that: “I am worried we are seeing more and more signs that the understanding on a ceasefire reached in November 2012 is eroding in both of its main requirements – the end of all hostilities and the opening of the crossings for people and goods.”

Egypt brokered a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in November 2012 after Israel had waged a blistering week-long campaign against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In recent months, Israel has repeatedly attacked multiple sites in Gaza in response to alleged rocket attacks, despite the Hamas-led government increasing its efforts to patrol the border to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire.

Serry noted that: “The United Nations condemns the rise in violence, and all parties must act in accordance with international law,” adding that “I sincerely hope that the Israeli authorities will fully adhere to their commitment to reopen Gaza for construction materials for UN projects.”