The UK government must engage with Palestinian political leaders to end the humanitarian crisis and revive the peace process, following the formation of a national unity government. If the crippling boycott of the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues public administration will collapse, Christian Aid warned today (Monday 19 March).

Rival politicians from Hamas and Fatah announced the formation of the national unity government on Saturday after months of negotiations. This is a bold initiative that deserves international recognition and support. The alternative would be a further descent into poverty, violence and lawlessness in the occupied territories.

"The Palestinians have stepped back from the brink. Christian Aid is calling on the UK government to speak out in support of the new unity government and use its influence to bring an immediate end to the boycott. The alternative could be a catastrophic slide towards civil war," said Janet Symes, Christian Aid's Middle East regional manager.

The Palestinian Authority has been starved of funds since Hamas was elected in January 2006. Israel has also been withholding millions it owes the Palestinian Authority in tax revenues.

This has led to a breakdown of public services and law and order in the occupied territories. Government ministries, hospitals, schools and the courts have all faced closure over the last year and are functioning at minimum capacity, with staff salaries withheld.

"A year of economic and political sanctions on the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority, together with the closure of borders, extreme restrictions on movement and frequent Israeli incursions, has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip," said Ms Symes.

80 per cent of Gazans currently have no income and two-thirds live below the poverty line.

"Gaza is a prison - 1.4 million people are trapped and the result is violence. Sanctions, closure and isolation are killing us," said Naila Ayesh of Christian Aid's partner, the Women's Affairs Centre.

The creation of the national unity government is a concerted effort towards peace that must be matched by the international community. It is time to recognise that the only path towards reaching a political solution is through dialogue between all parties.

ENDS

For more information contact Dominic Nutt on 020 7523 2427

Notes to Editors:

Christian Aid works in some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries. We act where the need is greatest, regardless of religion, helping people build the life they deserve.

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