Press Release
28 December 2008
Statement on the humanitarian situation in Gaza from Douglas Alexander
Commenting on the situation in Gaza, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said:
"Unconfirmed reports emerging from Gaza suggest that over 280 Gazans have been
killed and up to 700 wounded in the past day and a half. The UN is reporting
severe shortages of medical items, food, and fuel for the Gaza power plant,
which will lead to increased power cuts. With the Prime Minister and the Foreign
Secretary, I appeal to all parties to end the violence and facilitate the
delivery of urgently needed humanitarian supplies. The scale of needs,
especially for the many wounded, is enormous.
"While recognising Israel's right to protect its own citizens, Israel must meet
its humanitarian obligations under international law. I note statements by the
Government of Israel that it wishes to avoid a humanitarian crisis, and its
willingness to assist by opening one of the crossings into Gaza for limited
humanitarian supplies today. Rocket attacks out of Gaza into Israel are
indefensible and hampering efforts to help.
"The Department for International Development is in regular contact with the UN
as it tries to assess the scale of humanitarian need. In 2008 we have provided
£19 million to the UN for its work with Palestinian refugees and £2 million to
the Red Cross to provide food, medicines and shelter in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories. We have also provided over £50 million to help the Palestinian
Authority pay doctors' and teachers' salaries and provide essential services in
both the West Bank and Gaza."
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