KEY POINTS:
The United Nations official responsible for the welfare of 4.6 million Palestinian refugees has accused Israel of extending its collective punishment of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip to include humanitarian international staff.
Karen AbuZayd, based in Gaza City, said Israeli authorities had stopped UN staff in Gaza from using the diplomatic pouch. They gave no reason for the move, which is a breach of international law.
"We can't send the mail out or get any mail in. I don't think they could give a reason because there is no way they could justify it," said AbuZayd, an American who is commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency.
Two weeks ago the Israelis issued a written list of goods that cannot be sent into Gaza for UN humanitarian needs, she said. The list includes spices, kitchenware, glassware, yarn and paper.
- INDEPENDENT
