Pro-Palestinian NGO press Hamas to open Gaza’s only foot crossing into Israel

Arab rights groups remind Hamas that its “Security goals should not come at the expense of human rights.”

By AFP

 

Arab NGOs and rights groups on Thursday called on the Hamas regime in Gaza to reopen the only foot crossing into Israel, after the Islamist movement closed it following an assassination.

Before Hamas took control of Gaza, Palestinian workers in Israel wait at the Erez Crossing to return to the Gaza Strip, July 2005. – Wikimedia Commons

The ‘Palestinian NGOs Network,’ a coalition of more than 100 charities and rights groups, demanded the “lifting of restrictions and restrictive measures which violate human rights”, a statement said.

“Security goals should not come at the expense of human rights,” it added.

Hamas, which runs Gaza, shut the Erez crossing into Israel on Sunday after blaming the Jewish state for assassinating Mazen Faqha, 38, in his home last Friday.

On Monday, they reopened it for people going into Gaza, but people under the age of 45 are still largely prevented from leaving.

Reports said Hamas were looking for the alleged assassins, who they believe remain in Gaza.

Hamas said Faqha formed cells for their military wing in Judea and Samaria.

Israel and Egypt have maintained a blockade on Gaza for a decade, largely restricting residents from entering.

However, Israel grants hundreds of permits for medical, educational, business and other reasons each week.

Hamas has fought three wars with Israel since 2008.

 

View original Arutz Sheva publication at:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/227518