Gaza crossings remain closed

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-20-2008 09:56

Israel has rejected calls by the UN to open its border crossings with the Gaza Strip. Gaza is sinking deeper into crisis with worsening food shortages and mills running out of flour supplies.

Israel has rejected calls by the UN to open its border crossings with the Gaza Strip.(CCTV.com)

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided to extend the blockade on the Gaza Strip, citing the continuation of rocket-fire from the territory.

His decision came after UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. He urged Israel to allow UN aid workers into the territory.

As the crossings remain closed, mills are running out of flour supplies. Gaza residents are worried about bread shortages.

Gaza Resident, said, "We want everyone to sell bread. I do not have enough bread to last my children for three days. How will they be able to eat and drink? We want a solution. We want them to open the crossings."

Meanwhile, UN aid workers already in the region continued to distribute food and supplies to Gaza residents on Wednesday.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the UN distribution center, waiting in long lines to collect their rations.

Israel shut Gaza's border crossings two weeks ago, halting shipments of food, fuel and basic supplies into the territory. The move came as a response to rockets launched from Gaza into Israel.

The closure has led to shortages of key items. But on Monday, Israel allowed the first shipment of goods into Gaza in 13 days.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei