RAMALLAH, Jan 7 (JMCC) - The United Nations is warning aid agencies based in the
West Bank of possible increases in Israeli security restrictions to make the region more like Gaza. Perhaps as a reaction to Palestine's initially successful
international diplomatic quest for statehood recognition, the UN, noting recent construction developments, warns of a clamp-down of passage between
Israel and the West Bank.
[The UN] also believe the changes would make it harder for Palestinians living in Israel, especially Jerusalem, to gain access to the West Bank. They also say it would make it harder to get goods in and out.
The UN says it fears Israel could tighten its procedures so that entering and leaving the West Bank could become more like getting in and out of Gaza, where extremely tight restrictions apply.
The collective punishment of 1.5 millions in Gaza has severely damaged Israel's image around the world. I can not see how establishing a Gaza-style crossing regime would be in anyone's interest, said Chris Gunness, a spokesperson for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency which provides support for Palestinian refugees.
I fervently urge Israel not to push ahead with its plan, he added.
In recent months Israel has been carrying out building work to expand some of its West Bank checkpoints, making them appear more permanent.
Read more at the
BBC...