UN warns of 'growing Gaza crisis'
/The United Nations has
warned in a special report of an impending humanitarian crisis in the
Gaza Strip. It says as many as 72% of Palestinians will be living
in poverty by the end of 2006, and that Israeli restrictions are
hampering emergency aid deliveries. Since 28 September, 82 Palestinians
and five Israelis have been killed in Gaza, including 26 children, the
report says. Compiled by 12 UN agencies, the report calls on Israel to
allow the agencies free access throughout the strip. "The UN
organisations recognise Israel's legitimate security concerns,
particularly the need to stop Palestinian rocket and mortar attacks
into civilian areas, however its actions should be in conformity with
international humanitarian law and it should not use disproportionate
force," the report says. [more 
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