REPORTS
MISERY IN GAZA GROWS AS CONDITIONS WORSEN
January 06, 2009 10:00 AM
Newsy.com is following developments in the Gaza Strip where humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate as the conflict moves into its twelfth day. With the toll of dead and wounded on both sided mounting, diplomatic pressure continues to intensify as the crisis deepens. While the United States remains firmly committed to Israel’s right to defend itself, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called for an immediate cease-fire. Newsy.com brings you the story from a variety of perspectives.AFP
AFP reports that European leaders are also speaking out.
"We do think that the ceasefire should be as early as possible," Karel Schwarzenberg, foreign minister of the Czech Republic, the current EU president, told reporters in Egypt. (AFP)
"We do think that the ceasefire should be as early as possible," Karel Schwarzenberg, foreign minister of the Czech Republic, the current EU president, told reporters in Egypt. (AFP)
Al Jazeera English
According to Al Jazeera English, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief John Holmes is taking a dim view of the situation in Gaza.
"This is, in our view, a humanitarian crisis," Holmes said. "It's very hard for me to see any other way you could describe it, given the conditions in which the population are living." (Al Jazeera English)
"This is, in our view, a humanitarian crisis," Holmes said. "It's very hard for me to see any other way you could describe it, given the conditions in which the population are living." (Al Jazeera English)
BBC
The BBC reports twenty Palestinians died on Tuesday as casualties continue to mount in Gaza.
“More than 560 Palestinians have been killed since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from Gaza 11 days ago, Palestinian medical officials say. The UN says at least 25% of those are civilians.” (BBC)
“More than 560 Palestinians have been killed since Israel moved to end rocket attacks from Gaza 11 days ago, Palestinian medical officials say. The UN says at least 25% of those are civilians.” (BBC)
International Red Cross
Conditions on the ground in Gaza are difficult according to the International Red Cross.
"Some wounded people simply die while waiting for an ambulance," said Antoine Grand, head of the ICRC office in Gaza. "This is of course absolutely appalling. The ambulances must reach the injured as fast as possible." (IRC)
"Some wounded people simply die while waiting for an ambulance," said Antoine Grand, head of the ICRC office in Gaza. "This is of course absolutely appalling. The ambulances must reach the injured as fast as possible." (IRC)
Reuters
However, according to Reuters, the United States remains behind Israel’s desire to pursue Hamas in Gaza. Speaking on Monday, President George Bush justified Israeli actions.
“ "I understand Israel's desire to protect itself, and that the situation now taking place in Gaza was caused by Hamas," Bush said in his first public response to Israel's ground offensive in the territory.” (Reuters)
“ "I understand Israel's desire to protect itself, and that the situation now taking place in Gaza was caused by Hamas," Bush said in his first public response to Israel's ground offensive in the territory.” (Reuters)
Yedioth Internet
According to Ynetnews, Israeli is allowing aid into the region.
“Some 80 trucks filled with basic foodstuffs and medication will be let into the Gaza Strip Tuesday by way of the Kerem Shalom crossing. This is the second day in a row that the Kerem Shalom crossing has been open for humanitarian aid.” (Yedioth Internet)
“Some 80 trucks filled with basic foodstuffs and medication will be let into the Gaza Strip Tuesday by way of the Kerem Shalom crossing. This is the second day in a row that the Kerem Shalom crossing has been open for humanitarian aid.” (Yedioth Internet)
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