NCF Research Officer Diren Dag delivers an oral intervention to the United Nations Human Rights Council 53rd session, Item 7. In light of the current situation in Gaza and its effects on Israel and the Palestinians, Diren addresses the UN.
UNHRC53 Oral Statement: Transcript
The absence of substantive international intervention is fostering growing pessimism among Palestinians who hope for peace. Currently, The Next Century Foundation is particularly concerned by limits on movement into Gaza, which significantly hamper Gazans’ ability to lead a normal life under the already harsh conditions of the blockade. There are two main civilian entry points into Gaza: the Rafah Crossing via the Egyptian Arab Republic, and the Erez Crossing via the State of Israel. Both require lengthy and often fruitless processes on the part of those who wish to be granted permission for entry to Gaza. Not only does this continue to violate the Oslo Accords, it is unjust that the residents of Gaza, who are invariably denied the freedom to leave their own territory, are also prohibited from receiving visitors.
The Next Century Foundation believes that the restriction of entry of foreign nationals into Gaza serves no rational purpose for either Egypt or Israel. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process for entry permissions further calls into question the motivation behind these restrictions. The blockade of Gaza should not further infringe the human right to movement. Lifting restrictions for visitors into Gaza would be a practical step forward toward a dignified life for Gazans. In addition, the UN has warned that without urgent funding Gaza’s World Food Program faces depletion, which could lead to a serious humanitarian crisis. This program feeds an average of 200,000 Gazans every day, and all efforts must be made to ensure that it can continue.
