Ref: 6/2011

On the morning of 28 February 2011, the
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) received in its main office in Gaza
City Mr. Max Gaylard, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace
Process and UN Coordinator for Humanitarian and Development Activities in the
Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

PCHR Director Raji Sourani and Hamdi Shaqqura,
PCHR Deputy Director for Program Affairs, received Mr. Gaylard. The meeting
with Mr. Gaylard addressed the human rights situation and the continued
deterioration taking place in the OPT in general and in the Gaza Strip in
particular.

The meeting focused on the effects of the
ongoing closure imposed on the Gaza Strip. The repercussions of this blockade
continue to be seen in the economic and social hardship suffered by civilians.
The meeting also addressed Israeli claims relating to the easing of the
closure. In the meeting, PCHR stressed again that the blockade is illegal and
constitutes a form of collective punishment. The PCHR representatives noted
that it is unacceptable to speak of an easing of the closure. The siege must
instead be lifted immediately and the freedom of movement of both individuals
and goods must be permitted. PCHR warned of the institutionalization and
legitimization of the closure by the international community.

In addition, the situation at Rafah
International Crossing Point was addressed in the meeting. PCHR stressed the
importance of facilitating movement via the crossing. Sourani and Shaqqura
discussed the suffering of thousands of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip who
are stranded abroad because they are denied access to Cairo International
Airport and thus cannot return home.

Furthermore, the meeting addressed the regional
developments and their impact on the situation in the OPT and on the process of
intra-Palestinian reconciliation. The importance of united efforts in order to
put an end to the ongoing Palestinian fragmentation was stressed.

It should be noted that PCHR maintains good
relations with the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East
Peace Process. This meeting is part of a series of ongoing meetings.