International organization calls for immediate end to Gaza siege

The international organization Partners for Peace & Development for Palestinians (PPDP) has called for an immediate end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip.

It said in a statement on Friday, “For the last eight years, the Gaza Strip has been under a harsh siege imposed by the Israeli occupation forces which cause humanitarian crises leading to the deterioration of the people’s life conditions”.

The PPDP statement added, “The Gaza Strip situation was affected negatively by the changes and events in Egypt, especially closing the Rafah crossing that connects the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with the outside world, after excluding the Erez checking point controlled by the Israeli Occupation Authorities. The Rafah crossing – as well as the Egyptian side generally – is indeed considered as the lifeline for the Palestinians importing their basic food, construction materials and fuel”.

The PPDP, which organizes the Miles of Smiles aid convoys to Gaza, said, “In the light of these developments which are deteriorating day after day paralyzing all sectors of life in Gaza, the Miles of Smiles calls for immediate remove of the siege on Gaza, the Miles of Smiles urges the Egyptian authorities to stand responsible towards their brothers in Palestine and allow the aid and solidarity convoys to enter Gaza”.

The London-based organization pointed out that 30% of medicines were out of stock in Gaza and power was being off on daily basis from 12 to 16 hours.

The organization appreciated the Qatari initiative expressed by the Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Khalid al-Atiyah during his meeting with the American Secretary of State John Kerry that called for ending the siege on Gaza and reopening all its connecting crossings.

The organization, in conclusion, called on international and regional bodies to pressure Israel to end its siege on the Gaza Strip.