Russia has sent two aid trucks to the Palestinian Autonomy in a continued effort to help the worsening humanitarian situation. They are part of a 13-truck convoy that will deliver medical supplies, clothes and food to the city of Ramallah.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says improving everyday life for Palestinians will decrease the influence of extremists. Meantime, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is possibly the worst that it has been ever. One and a half months ago Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak declared Gaza hostile territory. Israel cut about 15 % of its diesel supplies to Gaza and 10 % of its petrol supplies. The Israeli government is also currently considering that within the next few days for every rocket that is launched at Israel, it will cut electricity for the Strip for at least 15 minutes. Russia – along with the United Nations and the European Union – has also condemned Israeli energy sanctions against the region saying it is adding to the suffering of civilians. “The Palestinian people are not responsible for those actions of some terrorist and political groups. That’s why this collective punishment for Palestinians is unacceptable, according not only to Russia, but also to the UN. Ban Ki Moon declared very clearly his position; he rejects these measures undertaken by Israeli government,” Vyacheslav Matuzov said.