Palestinian FM: Israel aggression did not end, siege still in place

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza today hailed the mediation efforts which led to the end of the latest Israeli “round of violence”, a statement said.

“The ministry appreciates the diplomatic efforts made by Egypt and the United Nations to stop the Israeli aggression against civilians in the Gaza Strip,” the statement which was sent to MEMO said.

However, the ministry would like to stress that the “Israeli occupation did not respond positively to the efforts made to restore calm, but continued its aggression last night.”

In addition, the ministry stressed that the “key problems in Gaza are the occupation and blockade which undermine the people’s normal life and cause high rates of poverty and unemployment. The siege restricts the movement in and out of Gaza.”

Hamas: Palestinian resistance has a right to defend its people

The statement added: “As long as the Israeli siege is still in place, the situation in Gaza will remain unchanged and the chances of reaching a long and lasting calm are very limited.”

Meanwhile, the ministry called on the international community and rights groups to put pressure on the Israeli occupation to stop its aggression on the Palestinians, including the ongoing aggression on the prisoners inside Israeli jails.

Over the past two days, Israeli warplanes have carried out more than 50 strikes in the Gaza Strip that resulted in the complete destruction of 500 Palestinian homes.

The Ministry of Health said that ten Palestinians were wounded in the Israeli attacks.