United Nations Official Criticizes Israeli Policy

A high-ranking United Nations official has criticized Israeli policies regarding the Palestinian territories, saying that they have worsened humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the West Bank. He expressed the hope that Israel would reconsider its intention to implement additionally restrictive new policies.

According to a press release issued by the United Nations on Wednesday, the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs made these remarks while holding a briefing of the U.N. Security Council. He warned that new measures planned by the Israeli government may additionally limit humanitarian relief efforts, as well as Palestinian economic activity. Israel plans to reduce the amount of goods crossing points from twelve to six, and impose customs regulations which could substantially increase the cost of transporting aid materials to the Palestinian territories.

He pointed out that fewer quantities of humanitarian aid materials are being allowed into the Gaza strip at present, and far less people in critical medical condition are being let into Israel for types of medical treatment not available in Gaza. He referred to the difficult economic situation and rising food prices there, and spoke of Israel's intention to additionally limit West Bank residents' access to East Jerusalem and other areas. The press release also indicated that the United Nations is "engaging" the government of Israel to reconsider the new restrictions.

The profile of Under-Secretary-General Pascoe indicates that he was appointed by the U.N. Secretary General in March. He was formerly the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, for almost two and a half years. He has worked for the State Department and United Nations in various other positions in the past, especially in various Asian countries. He was born in Missouri in 1943, and attended both Columbia University and the University of Kansas.