UN chief Expresses his Grief for Gazans Sufferings because of Israeli Blockade, Pledges Aid
UN chief Ban Ki-Moon visited Gaza Saturday and saw the destruction caused to an area by Israeli offensive over a year ago.
He expressed his support to the people there saying, "we stand with you" while agreeing that the Gazans were living under "unacceptable, unsustainable conditions".
The visit was prompted by the recent tension between Israel and Gaza protesters amid Israel's plans to create more settlements in East Jerusalem.
The most difficult part for the Gazans in rebuilding is the availability of building material due to the continuing 3-year blockade.
The blockade has also rendered United Nations helpless in completing housing projects but Mr. Moon promised to continue the aid to Gazans.
He said, "My message to people of Gaza is this: the United Nations will stand with you through this ordeal."
He also advocated non-violence telling Gazans to, "choose the path of non-violence, Palestinian unity and international legitimacy".
Among other suggestions he asked for prisoner exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli soldier Gilat Shilad captured by militants in 2006.
