“The closure is part of what Israel calls the Separation Policy. Movement between Gaza, Israel, and the West Bank is barred other than in exceptional circumstances. Israel faces legitimate security challenges but movement restrictions aren’t in place for security needs alone. They drive political goals to pressure the population and maintain control over the West Bank. Most importantly, Israel’s narrow interpretation of its obligations towards Palestinians creates a crisis of accountability.”
In her address, Tania called on members of the council to protect the space for humanitarian and human rights work in Israel and Palestine, and emphasized the urgent necessity of bringing the closure, “a persistent and pernicious injustice and form of collective punishment,” to an end. “Please don’t let another military assault put Gaza and Palestine back on the agenda, put it there because you know it’s the right thing to do,” she concluded.
To read the full transcript of Tania’s address, click here.
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