UNITED NATIONS, July 14 The United Nations is calling on Israel to reopen border crossings on the Gaza Strip to allow resumption of trade and humanitarian relief.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement late Friday the closures instituted last month when Hamas took over the Palestinian strip had gone on long enough and were only causing "further suffering to the people there."
"If what is left of Gaza's economy is allowed to collapse, poverty levels, already affecting an estimated two-thirds of households, will rise further and the people of Gaza will become near totally aid-dependent," he added.
The United Nations also appealed for increased international aid to assist refugees with basic needs and the rebuilding of damaged homes.
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