MP Jamal al-Khudari on Friday said 2016 was the worst year for blockaded Gaza due to the continuation of the tightened Israeli siege.
Speaking to the PIC MP al-Khudari warned of the serious repercussions of the tough Israeli blockade on the lives of over two million Palestinians living in the coastal enclave.
He added that Israel’s closure of the crossings and restrictions on the entrance of building materials to the enclave have hindered the reconstruction process.
According to al-Khudari 70000 Palestinians have been homeless and enduring abject humanitarian conditions.
He added that 9000 homes out of 12000 were totally destroyed in the 2014 Israeli offensive on Gaza.
He further warned that 50% of the totally destroyed homes lack the funding needed for their reconstruction.
The MP called on the donor parties to assume their financial ethical and humanitarian duties and urge Israel to allow a free access of reconstruction materials into Gaza.
He further stated that 80% of Gazans are living below the poverty line and that unemployment rates have hit 60%.
The MP noted that the survival of one million and a half Gazans hinges on humanitarian and relief aid.
He spoke out against the repercussions of the siege on fishermen farmers and all economic sectors.
Al-Khudari spoke up for Palestinians’ right to self-determination and to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
