Ref: 71/2012

On Monday noon, 13 August 2012, the Palestinian
Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) received Head of the Netherlands Representative
Office to the Palestinian Authority, Ms. Birgitta Tazelaar, in its head offices
in Gaza City.

Tazelaar met with Mr. Raji Sourani, Director of
PCHR, who briefed her on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Gaza
Strip.  He particularly addressed the
close imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip, highlighting its various impacts,
especially depriving Palestinian civilians of many of their economic and social
rights that are ensured under international laws and standards.  Mr. Souarni indicated that the closure is
being institutionalized as this form of collective punishment has been
acceptable at the international level although it is illegal.

At another level, the meeting discussed the
recent developments in Sinai in Egypt and their impact on the Palestinian
population of the Gaza Strip, reflected in the Egyptian decision to close Rafah
International Crossing Point, the sole outlet for the Gaza Strip to the outside
world. 

Mr. Sourani talked also about the Palestinian
political split and the prospects for achieving the national
reconciliation.  He highlighted major
developments in this regard.