Foreign Minister Støre says blockade of Gaza undermines the Palestinian Authority

A flotilla of passenger and cargo ships is on its way to Gaza carrying aid supplies for the reconstruction of Gaza after the 2008–2009 war. Representatives of a number of European NGOs and parliamentarians from European countries are on board the ships, which are carrying medicines, construction materials and cement. They are expected to enter the area on Friday or Saturday this week.
 
“The ships bound for Gaza are a powerful expression of the frustration felt by the international community over the lack of progress in the reconstruction of Gaza. The initiative helps to maintain focus on the need for a political solution to the closure regime imposed on Gaza,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Since the summer of 2008, Gaza has been under Israeli blockade, which also includes sea access.

“I have repeatedly made it clear to the Israeli authorities that the Israeli closure regime is not in Israel’s interests and that it merely serves to undermine the Palestinian Authority and strengthen the Hamas regime in Gaza. Ultimately it is the civilian population of Gaza that will have to pay the price for this policy,” said Mr Støre.

“This is a political issue that must by resolved by political means. A lasting solution to the situation in the Palestinian Territory can only be achieved through negotiations between the Palestinian Authority and Israel and through Palestinian reconciliation,” said the Foreign Minister.

The Israeli authorities have signalled that the flotilla’s access to Gaza will be blocked, but that the ships would be invited to dock at the port of Ashdod, where the cargo can be unloaded and transported to Gaza by Israel.