From the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11868589
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11868589
There has been "little improvement" for people in Gaza since Israel announced it was easing its economic blockade of the territory six months ago.
That is the verdict of a new report by aid agencies and rights groups working inside the Palestinian territory.
A ban on most exports from Gaza is "crippling" the economy, they say.
The report, "Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade", was compiled by 21 different groups, including Oxfam, Amnesty and Save the Children.
"Only a fraction of the aid needed has made it to the civilians trapped in Gaza by the blockade," said Jeremy Hobbs, Director of Oxfam International.
"Israel's failure to live up to its commitments and the lack of international action to lift the blockade are depriving Palestinians in Gaza of access to clean water, electricity, jobs and a peaceful future," Mr Hobbs added.
The report says there has been an increase in imports such as food and consumer goods but that import levels are still only just over one-third of what they were before 2007 when the blockade was originally tightened.
It also says only a tiny fraction of the construction materials needed to rebuild Gaza are being allowed in.
That is the verdict of a new report by aid agencies and rights groups working inside the Palestinian territory.
A ban on most exports from Gaza is "crippling" the economy, they say.
The report, "Dashed Hopes: Continuation of the Gaza Blockade", was compiled by 21 different groups, including Oxfam, Amnesty and Save the Children.
"Only a fraction of the aid needed has made it to the civilians trapped in Gaza by the blockade," said Jeremy Hobbs, Director of Oxfam International.
"Israel's failure to live up to its commitments and the lack of international action to lift the blockade are depriving Palestinians in Gaza of access to clean water, electricity, jobs and a peaceful future," Mr Hobbs added.
The report says there has been an increase in imports such as food and consumer goods but that import levels are still only just over one-third of what they were before 2007 when the blockade was originally tightened.
It also says only a tiny fraction of the construction materials needed to rebuild Gaza are being allowed in.
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