British Consul assesses impact of closure on Gazan people
CG: "the best way to improve the lives of the ordinary recent people in Gaza is for Israel to lift its closure"
British Consul General Sir Vincent Fean today visited Gaza to assess the impact on people there of the closure of the tunnels to Egypt, and the ban on trade with the West Bank, which is crippling businesses in Gaza.
Sir Vincent Fean said:
“fuel shortages and power cuts for 8 hours a day in the heat of summer are the daily experience of 1.7 million Palestinians in Gaza. The best way to improve the lives of the ordinary recent people in Gaza is for Israel to lift its closure. As a first step, permitting trade between Gaza and the West Bank will create jobs in Gaza. – a much – needed alternative to mass unemployment, especially among the young and the 15.000 students who graduate from Gaza’s universities each year.
” Access to the crossing points between Gaza and Israel needs to be increased markedly to fill the gap in supplies of essential building materials left by the closure of the illegal tunnel smuggling trade.
The CG also visited Deir Balah Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery where 730 British and Commonwealth soldiers lie buried. Sir Vincent commended the care devoted by Gazan staff of the Commonwealth War Graves commission, who keep the cemeteries in Deir Balah and Gaza City in perfect condition.