GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip: Israel is quietly allowing thousands of Palestinians to enter from the Gaza Strip to work, apparently as part of understandings with the ruling Hamas militant group aimed at preventing a fourth war in the blockaded territory.
Israel effectively revoked thousands of work permits when it joined Egypt in imposing a crippling blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power in the coastal strip from rival Palestinian forces in 2007.
The blockade, along with three wars between Hamas and Israel, has devastated the economy in Gaza, where unemployment is over 50 percent.
But in recent months, Israel has quietly provided some relief as part of an unofficial, Egyptian-brokered truce with Hamas, in exchange for reduced rocket fire from the territory and the scaling back of weekly protests along the border.
Israel quietly lets in Gaza workers in bid to ease tensions
Israel quietly lets in Gaza workers in bid to ease tensions
- Move part of understandings with Hamas aimed at preventing a fourth war in the blockaded territory
- Gaza Strip unemployment rate is over 50 percent
UN chief Guterres condemns Middle East escalation
NEW YORK: The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned an escalation of violence in the Middle East on Saturday after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, plunging the region into a renewed military confrontation.
Tehran responded by launching missiles at Israel and called the strikes against it unprovoked and illegal.
“I condemn today’s military escalation in the Middle East. The use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, and the subsequent retaliation by Iran across the region, undermine international peace and security,” he said.
“I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and de-escalation. Failing to do so risks a wider regional conflict with grave consequences for civilians and regional stability. I strongly encourage all parties to return immediately to the negotiating table.
“I reiterate that there is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes, in full accordance with international law, including the UN Charter,” he added.
