December 2, 2009

Israel’s continuing blockade of Gaza has left thousands of schoolchildren without desks and the population exposed to million of tonnes of raw sewage, MPs heard.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said refusing to allow desk parts into Gaza was "bizarre" and the Government was pressing Israel to give full access to humanitarian aid.

The situation for Gazans was "extremely serious" and would only continue to worsen this winter.

Almost a year after the fighting in Gaza, 75% of the population relied on food aid and more than half did not have clean water to drink on a daily basis, he said.

Israel has imposed a tight blockade of materials into Gaza since 2007, claiming they can be used for military purposes by Hamas, which controls Gaza.

During question time in the Commons, Mr Alexander told MPs: "The humanitarian situation is extremely serious and will worsen now the winter rains have started.

"Nearly a year after the conflict, 75% of Gazans still rely on some sort of food aid, over 60% do not have daily access to drinking water and 10% have no access to mains electricity.

"The UK continues to press Israel for full access for humanitarian aid in line with internationally-accepted humanitarian principles."