German FM in Gaza: End Israeli blockade
After tour of UN school, German-funded sewage treatment plant in Strip, Westerwelle says border closure strengthening extremists at the expense of moderates; calls on Hamas to 'let Shalit return home'
Germany's foreign minister has said during a rare visit to Hamas-ruled Gaza that the Israeli-Egyptian blockade of 1.5 million Palestinians living there is unacceptable and must end.
Guido Westerwelle also said after Monday's tour of a UN school and a German-funded sewage treatment plant that the border closure is strengthening extremists at the expense of moderates.
The German FM refused to discuss the issue of captive soldier Gilad Shalit in detail, despite the fact that a German is mediating the negotiations between Israel and Hamas on a possible prisoner swap.
'Blockade unacceptable.' Westerwelle in Gaza (Photo: AP)
However, he did call on Shalit's captors to release him. "Allow this young man to return to his home after years in captivity," Westerwelle said.
Israel and Egypt closed Gaza's borders after Hamas seized the territory more than three years ago. Westerwelle is one of just a few senior Western diplomats to have visited Gaza since 2007.
Israel eased the blockade over the summer, but still bans the import of crucial raw materials and virtually all exports.
Westerwelle did not meet with Gaza's Hamas rulers because Germany does not have official ties with the Islamist group. He said his country would "continue to provide aid" to the Palestinian enclave.
Westerwelle's visit to Gaza was made possible after Israel lifted its ban on the entry of foreign diplomats to the Strip. In June, German Development Aid Minister Dirk Niebel was denied entry into Gaza.
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