More than a year on from Operation Cast Lead, the situation in Gaza remains a humanitarian crisis. It is a man-made humanitarian crisis forged by international politics, and as such, it requires the political will of international leaders to resolve.

The blockade of Gaza, one of the most brutal manifestations of Israel’s occupation of the occupied Palestinian territory, has prevented the reconstruction of homes, and water, sewage and electricity systems.

Without this basic infrastructure, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis is deepening. More than half of Gaza’s population are children, and the effects of the protracted crisis violate their most basic rights. In response to this,

War Child, as part of a coalition of international humanitarian and human rights organisations, is calling on EU foreign ministers to commit to the following actions at their upcoming Gymnich meeting in early March:

1) Taking a strong international lead to secure an immediate and unconditional end to the blockade of Gaza;

2) Confirming publicly that the upgrading of relations with Israel is put on hold, pending tangible progress in Israel’s respect for human rights and international humanitarian law;

3) Making a visit to Gaza part of every European high-level visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

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