[Ma'an] UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for Israel to end the blockade of Gaza, cease evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes and ensure the rights of children, adding that all allegations of torture and ill-treatment must be promptly investigated and perpetrators prosecuted, in his annual report released on Monday.
"In particular, the Government of Israel should allow unimpeded access to Gaza for humanitarian aid and the non-humanitarian goods needed for the reconstruction of properties and infrastructure," Mr Ban asserted in his report delivered to the UN General Assembly.
"Israel should also address effectively and immediately the water, sanitation and environmental crisis in Gaza," he stressed, citing the devastating damage stemming from Israel's military action against Hamas last winter and its blockade of many materials other than foodstuffs, medical supplies, stationery and some industrial or electrical appliances.
"Those heavy import restrictions, coupled with a near total prohibition on exports, have had a devastating effect on the Gaza economy. The blockade has also severely impaired the realization of a wide range of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights."
In reference to a documented case by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights nu the of ill-treatment of children, in which a 14 year old boy from Qatanna was arrested by soldiers in March for throwing stones at an army vehicle, Mr Ban emphasized that all allegations should be investigated by "credible, independent and transparent accountability mechanisms."
"Equally crucial is upholding the right of victims to reparation," Mr Ban added, reiterating that Israel's apartheid wall built on security premises should be dismantled in accordance with the advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice.
The UN Secretary General further highlighted the plight of Palestinians in Jerusalem in the face of numerous evictions and demolition notices, asserting that Israel should permit viable zoning plans and a less arduous process for issuing building permits in East Jerusalem and the West Bank stating that, "Until such time, the evictions and demolitions of Palestinian homes should cease." Mr Ban added that, "Victims of forced evictions should also be afforded the possibility of effective redress. Punitive demolitions should cease immediately."
Between January and July 2009, a minimum of 194 Palestinians were forcibly displaced as a result of Israel's demolition program. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs announced in August of 1,500 impending house demolition orders in East Jerusalem, a figure it terms "conservative." OCHA added that certain areas face the prospect of mass demolition.
The UN further estimates that 90 houses in the Silwan neighborhood of East Jerusalem are threatened with demolition, which would lead to the likely displacement of about 1,000 people. In Sheik Jarrah, an area in central East Jerusalem, 475 residents could face potential eviction as the ownership of their homes is contested by Israeli settlers, following numerous legal actions that are deemed illegal under international law.
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