GAZA, (PIC)
The Palestinian Center for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared (PCMFD) has expressed its deep concern over the continued Israeli ban on the entry of equipment needed to retrieve the bodies of thousands of victims buried under the rubble of buildings in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement on Monday, PCMFD called on international organizations to assume their legal and humanitarian responsibilities and pressure Israel to allow the immediate and unconditional entry of essential equipment used for the removal of rubble to Gaza.
“In stark violation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, Israel unilaterally closed the crossing and prevented the entry of aid on March 2, which practically means killing any hope of bringing in heavy equipment necessary to remove rubble, open roads and remove precarious buildings that pose a threat to the lives of civilians,” PCMFD said.
“Over the course of 42 days, Israel allowed the entry of only nine underpowered bulldozers, although the ceasefire understandings included an agreement to bring in 100 various types of heavy equipment,” PCMFD underlined.
“Estimates indicate that the Gaza Strip needs at least 500 heavy-duty vehicles. Local institutions, companies and businessmen were also barred from purchasing or renting them from abroad, which has deepened the existing humanitarian crisis,” PCMFD added.
PCMFD accused the Israeli occupation state of violating the international law by not allowing in equipment and technical teams, holding it fully responsible for the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
