Amnesty International issued a call to Israel to bring an end to the embargo on Hamas-controlled Gaza, accusing Israel of “suffocating” 1.4 million residents.

The human rights organization says the continued blockade has prevented rebuilding Gaza following the destruction caused by Israel during Operation Cast Lead.

Amnesty accuses Israel of unacceptable collective punishment, explaining the blockade does not just target Hamas, but the residents of Gaza, preventing building and medical supplies from entering the area.

Israeli officials continue to point out that medical and humanitarian supplies are indeed permitted into Gaza, explaining the embargo is a necessity now towards preventing Hamas from importing weapons and ammunition. Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev rejected the report, stating the problem in Gaza is Hamas’ regime, which continues to deprive residents of aid received and basic amenities, placing the welfare of its residents very low on its agenda.

Interestingly, the report released by Amnesty’s Director of the Mideast and N. Africa Desk Mark Smart did not address the closed border between Rafiah and Egypt, also preventing the importation of goods, but only addressing the border between Gaza and S. Israel.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)