UN chief condemns Israel’s Gaza blockade

21/03/10 13:34 CET

world news

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Israel’s blockade on Gaza has been condemned by the UN Secretary General, who says it is causing unacceptable suffering.

Ban Ki-moon is in the territory after a meeting in the West Bank with the Palestinian President.

He told reporters that he has repeatedly made it clear to Israeli leaders that their policy of closure is not sustainable and is wrong.

The UN chief is due to meet later with the Israeli Prime Minister, saying he is going to urge him to ease restrictions.

But he will find Benjamin Netanyahu in defiant mood.

On a separate issue, the prime minister says he has written to the US Secretary of State to make it clear that Israel will not curb settlement expansion in disputed areas in and around Jerusalem.

The comments come just before he is due to travel to Washington to meet President Obama. They also fly in the face of widespread criticism of the settlement plans, including condemnation from the US.

More about: Ban Ki-moon, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel-Palestine Peace Process

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