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EU's Ashton calls for immediate end to Gaza embargo

28 May 2010, 22:01 CET
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(BRUSSELS) - EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Friday called for an immediate end to Israel's Gaza blockade, as an aid flotilla prepared to set sail for the enclave despite the embargo.

"The continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive," she said in a statement.

"We would like to reiterate the EU's call for an immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza."

The multi-national aid flotilla organised by the Free Gaza Movement, which Israel has vowed to halt, is due to sail for Gaza on Saturday in defiance of the embargo.

"We strongly urge that all involved act with a sense of restraint and responsibility and work for a constructive resolution," said Ashton. "The EU remains gravely concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza."

Israel imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas -- an Islamist movement committed to the destruction of Israel -- seized power in the impoverished, overcrowded Palestinian territory.


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