GAZA, July 22 (KUNA) -- United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Max Gaylard witnessed first-hand Tuesday the worsening economic and humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip under Israeli siege.
Gaylard met Tuesday with Gaza Governor Mohammad Al-Qudwa, Khan Younis Governor Osama Al-Farra, and Governor of the strip's central area Ismael Abu Shamala.
The governors stressed, according to a press release distributed here, on the importance of the United Nations' role in supporting the Palestinian cause from the humanitarian aspects.
They said they presented Gaylard with information on the hard living conditions in Gaza due to the siege imposed for over a year now, adding that Palestinians lack even the essential necessities and many of them have lost their jobs.
More than 3,900 factories were shut down and medicine and medical equipment became scarce, they noted.
The governors called the UN official to stress to the international community the disastrous effects of the siege, pointing out that all the main construction projects were halted in the strip due to the soar of the prices of construction materials.
The environment was negatively effected and diseases had spread as municipalities are not able to move and dispose of rubbish and the sea is polluted because sewage waste is no longer treated, they said.
The release quoted Gaylard as saying that he understands the situation in Gaza Strip and that he promises to call international bodies to work on ending siege.
He said that he supports the efforts of the Palestinian authority and President Mahmoud Abbas in reaching a national conciliation and lasting peace with Israel.
He stressed that the UN opposes the siege on Gaza and will discuss the issue during the next monthly meeting of the UN Security Council.(end) zt.ris KUNA 221428 Jul 08NNNN