Report accuses Israel of abuses

Jun 04,2007 00:00 by UPI

NEW YORK -- Israel is being urged to stop violating international law on the eve of the 40th anniversary of its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

In a 45-page report published Monday, Amnesty International calls on the Jewish state to end blockades, land grabbing and other violations that make life intolerable for Palestinians.

"It is unacceptable that women in labor, sick children, or victims of accidents on their way to the hospital should be forced to take long detours and face delays which can cost them their lives," said Malcolm Smart, director of the group's Middle East and North Africa program.

Smart called for international action to address what Amnesty International views as widespread human rights abuses being committed under the Israel occupation.

"For forty years, the international community has failed adequately to address the Israeli-Palestinian problem: it cannot, must not, wait another forty years to do so," says Smart.