HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNED OVER IMPOSITION OF PUNITIVE MEASURES ON GAZA

21 September 2007

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has expressed grave concern over the Israeli Government’s decision of 19 September to declare the Gaza Strip as “hostile territory”, announcing military action, additional restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from the Gaza Strip, and reductions in the supply of fuel and electricity.

In a statement issued late on 20 September, the High Commissioner said the implementation of such measures would impose an unbearable burden on the civilian population of Gaza, which has already paid a heavy price from daily violence, isolation and deprivation.

The High Commissioner condemned once again the indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza into Israel. She urged Israel to exercise restraint, recalling that it has the obligation under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect its population without employing disproportionate means. She also recalled that international law prohibits reprisals and collective punishment.

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For use of the information media; not an official record