Western powers slammed for 'humanitarian siege'

Dubai: The deteriorating humanitarian situation in Palestine, a result of the recent suspension of international aid, has drawn condemnation from Arab citizens and officials alike who denounced the move by the US, the European Union and some Arab countries as "punishment" for the Palestinian people for electing a Hamas-led government.

A senior UAE official has called on Arab leaders to take an "historic and unified step" against the "humanitarian siege" that Israel and now some Western powers, have imposed on the Palestinian population.

"Why should the Palestinian people, particularly those in need of desperate medical attention, pay the price for the West's suspension of aid," Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Chief of Dubai Police, told Gulf News yesterday. "There is no humanity in this situation."

Speaking among a cross-section of UAE officials and humanitarian activists, Lt. General Dahi criticised Western powers for compounding an already dire humanitarian situation, adding that it was hypocritical to support the recent elections and then cut aid to the government.

By suspending aid and providing unlimited support to Israel, Lt General Dahi said US President George Bush is responsible for creating hatred in the Arab world and contributing to the suffering of the Palestinian people.

"I congratulate the American president on his extraordinary ability to starve the Palestinian people. This can only be done by a leader as cruel as Mr Bush," he said.

"I hope the Arab leaders jointly defy this 'humanitarian blockade' because the Palestinians are suffering greatly and they need help and support."

For many years the UAE has contributed to the development of vital infrastructure in the West Bank and Gaza, including the recent announcement of the $100 million (about Dh368 million) Shaikh Khalifa City development.

However, officials were in agreement that more can be done. Ebrahim Mohammad Bu Melha, Chairman of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Humanitarian and Charity Establishment in Dubai, said everyone has become familiar with the "drastic humanitarian and health conditions in which the Palestinians are living."

"Doors must be open to all charitable organisations to help especially those suffering from chronic diseases, including epilepsy, diabetes and kidney disease."

Bu Melha said the humanitarian siege which Israel imposed on the Palestinians has lead to a widespread lack of medical equipment and medication, which was the principle reason behind the organisation's decision to donate Dh10 million.

Nadia Wehbe of the Palestine Children's Relief Fund in Dubai also said that providing much needed medical services for the most severe medical cases was of paramount concern.

"Right now we are trying to access funds which can cover the cost for emergency treatments for sick children.

"Our biggest needs are in getting the money into Palestine to be able to give the care to those suffering most," she said.