Israel to allow UN chief to visit Gaza Strip
Ban, EU foreign affairs chief Ashton will be able to visit Strip, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided Monday to grant a request by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and European Union High Representative of Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton to enter the Gaza Strip. According to the ministry's statement, the two wish to "closely monitor" humanitarian efforts in the Strip.
Israel has denied senior officials' visits to Gaza in the past, claiming that such visits could strengthen the Hamas regime and legitimize it.
A spokesman for Ashton gave the news a cautious welcome. "As you know the high representative has expressed her wish to go to Gaza and has been in discussions with the Israeli authorities about facilitating this visit," the spokesman said in Strasbourg.
"It is true that the Israeli government has so far reacted positively to this request. We are continuing to work on the final program for the trip and are continuing to talk with the Israeli government in relation to this."
Ashton is expected to arrive in the Middle East next week. As part of her tour she will be visiting Israel, the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Syria and Jordan. Ban is expected to visit the region at the end of the month, ahead of his participation in the Arab League summit in Libya. According to a statement made on his behalf, the UN chief will help resume peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
On March 19, Ban is expected to take part in a meeting of the International Quartet on the Middle East in Moscow, which he says would be a good opportunity to help the indirect talks between Israel and the Palestinians succeed.
Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since Hamas seized the Strip in 2007. Since Operation Cast Lead, the UN has been urging Israel to allow the introduction of more construction materials into the Strip in order to rebuild the area.
The issue was raised last month during Defense Minister Ehud Barak's meeting with Ban Ki-Moon in New York. "Israel is working to ease the lives of Gaza residents and prevent a humanitarian crisis," Barak said.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton who met Barak last month, also asked him to allow more supply into the Gaza Strip. Clinton said that the residents of Gaza deserved hope, which was in Israel's interest as much as it was in the Palestinians' interest.
AFP contributed to this report
