Palestinians protest against blockade

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-22-2008 08:56

Palestinians have been flooding streets across the Gaza Strip and West Bank to protest Israel's blockade on the Hamas-controlled territory.

They say the blockade could lead to a humanitarian crisis.

Palestinians have been flooding streets across the Gaza Strip and West Bank to protest Israel's blockade on the Hamas-controlled territory. (CCTV.com)

Hundreds of residents, including children, marched through the streets of Gaza City to call on the international community to intervene to lift the siege Israel imposed last Friday.

A Hamas Spokesman calls on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to stop talks with Israel as long as the blockade continues in Gaza.

Fawzi Barhom, Hamas Spokesman, said, "This demonstration is in order to send our message to President Abbas to take responsibilities towards to stop all shape of negotiation and dialogue with the Israeli occupation and to stop all shape of collaboration and cooperation with the Israeli occupation."

Fawzi Barhom, Hamas Spokesman.(CCTV.com)

Israel says the blockade aims to stop Gaza militants' rocket fire into the Jewish state. Israel says it will not allow Gaza to slip into a humanitarian crisis but will not make the lives of Gazan residents easy.

Ehud Olmert, Israeli Prime Minister, said, "As long as the hardships there are greater - provided there are not any humanitarian blows, not in hospitals, not in clinics, not with young children, not with helpless people - we will not allow it but there is no way will we let them live comfortable and pleasant lives."

Ehud Olmert, Israeli Prime Minister.(CCTV.com)

On Monday evening, Israel agreed to allow a one-time shipment of medical supplies as well as diesel fuel into the Gaza Strip, for the main power plant in the territory, which shut down Sunday due to the shortage of fuel.

The Israeli decision came after urgent mediation by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak with the Israeli government.

Palestinians in Gaza have faced severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies since Israel closed the border crossings with the Hamas-controlled territory last Friday.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei