UN blames “Israel” for humanitarian crisis

Source: AP, 9-7-2006
Jerusalem (Al-Quds) - The UN blamed "Israel" for a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, including deaths, injuries to children from its offensive in Gaza, in a strong statement.
The three-page statement released on Saturday, listing charges separately from six UN-affiliated agencies, called for "urgent action" to halt the rapid deterioration.
The statement charged that "Israel's" military offensive has caused mass violations of human rights of civilians in Gaza.
Some result from an attack that destroyed the main Gaza power station, others from the closing of vital crossing points and the rest from military operations, it said.
The UN expressed alarm over events in Gaza "which have seen innocent civilians, including children, killed, brought increased misery to hundreds of thousands of people and which will wreak far-reaching harm on Palestinian society."
Among the specific issues listed, the statement said Gaza is "on the brink of a public health disaster," including a shortage of medicines.
Also, children in Gaza "are living in an environment of extraordinary violence, insecurity and fear."