Norway: EU to end Gaza power, water crises

[ 17/08/2010 - 11:15 AM ]

GAZA, (PIC)-- Norway asked Israel to allow entry of more goods into the Gaza Strip and facilitate the opening of Gaza crossings, while affirming that the European Union would work on ending the Gaza power crisis and water shortage.

Norway's Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said during a visit to UNRWA headquarters in Gaza city on Monday that the people of Gaza are still suffering as a result of the tightening siege imposed on them.

He championed immediate reconstruction of Gaza, ending the siege, improving quality and quantity of goods allowed into Gaza, allowing exports, and freedom of movement for the Gaza people outside the Strip.

Støre said that his country would urge other donor countries to extend more assistance to UNRWA to overcome its financial problem.

For his part, Filippo Grandi, the UNRWA general commissioner, said that his agency was doing its best to secure more financial assistance to cover its needs and operational costs in the Gaza Strip.

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