By Alyxandra Stanczak
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
CAIRO, Egypt– Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the Arab League, visited the Gaza Strip today to call for an end to a blockade that has been in effect since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip in 2007. Moussa called for a break in the blockade and said the position of the Arab League is clear in this matter.
- Children and other vulnerable groups are the real victims of Israel’s blockade. (Photo courtesy of Amnesty International.)
The Arab League was formed in 1945 and consists of 22 members, including Palestine, and four observers. Relations between the Arab League and Israel have historically been strained. When the League was formed they called for an embargo of Jewish businesses operating within Palestine. More recently, Israeli – Arab League relations have been improving, signified by Arab League representatives meeting with then Israeli prime minister Olmert and other high-ranking ministers in 2007. This meeting was the first time Israel received an official Arab League delegation.
The blockade has resulted in unemployment, inflated food prices resulting in reliance upon humanitarian aid, and poverty. Items barred in the blockade include basic goods such as food and fuel. Food which is not delivered by the UN and other agencies is often smuggled through the Egypt-Gaza border and is sold to Gaza residents. More than half of Gaza’s population are considered vulnerable; especially children, the elderly, the sick, and refugees. Civilians, rather than armed anti-Israeli groups, are most likely to be affected by the blockade.
Moussa’s trip was coordinated with the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and he is scheduled to meet with Hamas prime minister Haniyeh. Moussa’s trip to Gaza has already had an apparent effect in Israel, with Israeli prime minister Netanyahu responding that he supports an easing of the blockade, but still opposes a complete lift on the blockade.
For more information, please see:
Al Jazeera – Arab League demands Gaza siege end – 13 June 2010
Haaretz – Netanyahu: Naval blockade on Gaza will not be lifted – 13 June 2010
Amnesty International – Suffocating Gaza – The Israeli Blockade’s Effects on Palestinians – 1 June 2010
