The UN Security Council held an emergency session on Tuesday to discuss the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following an Israeli closure of nearly all crossings into the territory.

The meeting was held in response to a request by Arab countries in a move to urge the 15-member body to help end the lockdown of Gaza which has effectively blocked humanitarian assistance to the 1.5 million population in Gaza.

Briefing council, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe expressed continued UN concern about what he termed the "extremely fragile" humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip while strongly urging Israel to allow "regular and unimpeded" delivery of fuel and basic necessities to the area.

The top political chief also warned Israel against what he called "collective penalties" for the Palestinian people.

"Israel must reconsider and ease its policy of pressuring the civilian population of Gaza for the unacceptable actions of militants," Pascoe said, "Collective penalties are prohibited under international law."

Council delegates were discussing a draft presidential statement prepared by Libya, the council's president for this month, which would call on Israel to end its restrictions and ensure access for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

The text, which has the support of Arab countries, has been opposed by Israel and its Western allies including the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency January 23, 2008)