Gaza (AsiaNews / Agencies) - New accusations against Israel for its attitude towards the Palestinians. The head of the UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza defines an "urgent priority" the end of the blockade of Gaza, because it renders any economic recovery impossible in Gaza, while Amnesty International says that the Jewish state does not provide enough water to the Palestinians, both in the Strip and the West Bank.

John Ging, head of UN aid to Gaza, said yesterday that the approach of winter makes the possibility of supplies for construction urgent, such as cement and glass, currently prevented by the Israeli blockade. In particular homes, schools and other buildings damaged in the attack by Israel last year cannot be rebuilt.  

The block of building materials also prevents the possibility of economic recovery, given that there are thousands of people without work. UNRWA revealed Ging, is creating 3100 temporary working posts to alleviate unemployment. If Israel reopens the crossings, 120 thousand stable jobs could be created.

Amnesty International, however, in a report claimed that Israel restricts the water that is given to the Palestinians. A report presented to the press by Donatella Rovera, argues that Israel uses more than 80% of water from mountain springs and keeps for its own purposes water destined for use in Jordan.  

In this regard, Mark Regev, spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister denied the claims made by Amnesty International, stating that "Israel gives the Palestinians 20.8 million cubic meters of water, above and beyond what it is required to under the agreement on the water”.