|PIC1|The humanitarian situation in Gaza is worse now than it has been at any time since the beginning of the Israeli occupation in 1967, according to a new report published today by a coalition of leading humanitarian and human rights organisations.

The weekend's upsurge in violence and human misery underlines the urgency of this report say its coalition of authors Amnesty International, CARE International UK, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Médecins du Monde UK, Oxfam, Save The Children UK and Trócaire.

They warn that Israel's blockade of Gaza is a collective punishment of the entire Gazan civilian population of 1.5 million. The report concludes that the Israeli Government's policy of blockade is unacceptable, illegal and fails to deliver security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Geoffrey Dennis, Chief Executive of CARE International UK said: "The recent escalation in violence, both from rocket attacks and military strikes, will make life even more unbearable in Gaza. Unemployment has soared and 80 per cent of people in Gaza are now dependent on food aid compared to 63 per cent in 2006.

"Water and sewage infrastructure is on the point of total collapse. Unless the blockade ends now, it will be impossible to pull Gaza back from the brink of this disaster and any hopes for peace in the region will be dashed."

According to the report, the blockade of Gaza has dramatically worsened levels of poverty and unemployment and has led to deterioration in education and health services. Over 1.1 million people are now dependent on food aid and of 110,000 workers previously employed in the private sector, 75,000 workers have now lost their jobs.

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said: "Israel has the right and obligation to protect its citizens, but as the occupying power in Gaza it also has a legal duty to ensure that Gazans have access to food, clean water, electricity and medical care.

"Punishing the entire Gazan population by denying them these basic human rights is utterly indefensible. The current situation is man-made and must be reversed."

The coalition's 16 page report, "The Gaza Strip: A humanitarian implosion", urges the UK Government and EU to press for a new strategy for Gaza. In particular, the report calls on the UK Government to exert greater pressure on the Israeli Government to open the crossings into Gaza and stop fuel and electricity cuts in order to stem the worsening humanitarian crisis.

It also urges the Israeli Government to help facilitate a process of Palestinian reconciliation that can lead to a "credible and effective" peace process with Israel, and abandon the "failed" policy of non-engagement and begin negotiations with all Palestinian parties, including Hamas.

The report calls on the Israeli Government and Palestinian armed groups to immediately cease all attacks against civilians, saying that the Government of Israel should put an immediate end to disproportionate attacks in Gaza and Palestinian armed groups should immediately stop indiscriminate rocket attacks into southern Israel.

Christian Aid's Director, Daleep Mukarji, said: "The UK Government should acknowledge that a new strategy is needed for Gaza. The current policy does not secure vital security for Israeli citizens, and even if it did the blockade policy would still be unacceptable and illegal.

"Humanitarian aid can help stave off total collapse but it will not provide a long-term solution. Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future."