Gaza, June 08 (QNA) -The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemned the Israeli ocupation authorities’ decision to close the Gaza Strip crossings, including Karem Abu Salem and Rafah, amid the ongoing military escalation in the region.

In a statement issued Monday, the Center said the decision constitutes an exploitation of regional developments to impose further collective punishment on the residents of the Gaza Strip. It noted that this policy is part of a recurring approach based on punishing Palestinian civilians and linking their humanitarian conditions to political and security developments with which they have no connection.

The Center stressed that closing the crossings and depriving the population of basic necessities is contrary to the provisions of international humanitarian law, emphasizing that civilians should not bear the consequences of regional conflicts or be used as a tool of political pressure.

It pointed out that the decision comes amid already deteriorating humanitarian conditions and at a time when humanitarian aid continues to enter the Gaza Strip at levels below those stipulated in the ceasefire agreement concluded last October. The Center warned that any additional closure of the crossings, even if temporary, would have serious repercussions on the humanitarian situation, particularly in light of the severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, and the ongoing pressure on the health sector.

The Center added that thousands of patients and wounded individuals depend on the crossings to access treatment and medical care, stressing that disrupting travel and the entry of essential supplies further exacerbates the suffering of the population and threatens the lives of the most vulnerable groups.

It also called on the international community to take urgent action to ensure that regional developments are not used as a pretext for tightening restrictions on the Gaza Strip, and to work toward protecting civilians and holding those responsible for grave violations of international law accountable. (QNA)