18 August 2010 – The United Nations will mark the second-ever World Humanitarian Day on Thursday by paying tribute to the life-saving work carried out by aid workers around the globe, often in perilous places, to help those whose lives have been torn asunder by conflict, natural disasters and other crises.

(New York, 31 May 2010): The ERC condemned the dreadful waste of life over a humanitarian issue, stating that such an incident should never have happened; the ERC said thar the blockade of Gaza by Israel has been unacceptable, unnecessary and counterproductive from its beginning in 2007; it has worsened conditions of life for Palestinians, deepened poverty and food insecurity, prevented reconstruction, and increased aid dependence by destroying livelihoods and economic activity. The ERC called for lifting the collective punishment of the people of Gaza once and for all.

Humanitarian aid agencies call upon the Government of Israel for full and unfettered access into and out of the Gaza Strip for materials and exports necessary for the revival of the agriculture and fishing sectors and for the lifting of restrictions imposed on Palestinian access to farm land and fishing areas.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in Gaza today, as part of his four-day visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. Holmes witnessed first hand the conditions in Gaza, one year after the end of operation “Cast Lead” and called for a dramatic change of policy, including the full re-opening of the crossings, in order to give people the opportunity to live dignified lives, as they are entitled to. He is due to leave Gaza on 3 March for Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in Gaza today, as part of his four-day visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. Mr. Holmes witnessed first hand the conditions in Gaza, one year after the end of operation “Cast Lead” and called for a dramatic change of policy, including the full re-opening of the crossings, in order to give people the opportunity to live dignified lives, as they are entitled to. He is due to leave Gaza on 3 March for Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.