UN official rejects Israeli view of extent of hardship

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Rejecting Israeli claims there is no humanitarian crisis, Christopher Gunness, spokesman for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), asserted, "The idea there is not a humanitarian crisis is absurd . . . it is appalling for anyone to say there is not."

UNRWA closed 20 health centres, although its staff are doing their best to aid the injured. UNRWA and the World Food Programme have suspended ration distribution, leaving 1.1 million people without basic foodstuffs. Mr Gunness criticised the Security Council for not adopting a ceasefire resolution. "Innocent people in Gaza have suffered enough."

Dr Hassan Khalaf, who heads Gaza's main hospital, said the supply of diesel for generators has been disrupted. Thirty premature babies and 27 people in intensive care could die if power is shut off.

Sanna Johnson of Save the Children said children are in great danger. "They face even more malnutrition" than before the onslaught.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0105/1230936654990.html

[ikojo]

1. I suppose the Israeli leaders went to the Mugabe

school when it comes to defining what is and is not a humanitarian crisis.