Speaking ahead of next week's Gaza conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, which the ICRC will be attending, ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger stressed that humanitarian action was vital but insufficient to resolve the crisis. "Reconstruction is extremely important to help the people of Gaza on to their feet again," said Mr Kellenberger. "But it is unlikely to succeed unless there is a prospect of a lasting peace. Humanitarian action can be no substitute for an honest and courageous peace process involving all States, political authorities and organized armed groups that can influence the situation."

More than a month after the end of the war, people in the Gaza Strip are still struggling to rebuild their lives. Tens of thousands of people have had their houses partially or completely destroyed, while thousands remain without access to running water.

Even before the recent conflict, drastic restrictions on the movement of people and goods imposed by the Israeli authorities had led to worsening poverty, rising unemployment and deteriorating public services such as health care, water and sanitation. As a result, the people of Gaza were already experiencing a major crisis affecting all aspects of daily life even before hostilities broke out in late December.

"To go back to the way things were before the recent conflict would simply perpetuate Gaza's plight," said Mr Kellenberger. "What is needed is sustainable economic development. But that will only be possible if political steps are taken to prepare the ground. The first and most urgent measure should be to end the isolation of Gaza, particularly by lifting restrictions on the movement of people and goods."

Mr Kellenberger also called on the Palestinian factions to stop targeting civilian areas in Israel and endangering the lives of civilians. He reiterated the ICRC's request for access to Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who has been detained in the Gaza Strip since June 2006.

"How many more deaths, injuries and destroyed lives are needed before everyone finally realizes that there is no alternative to a credible and honest peace process?" asked Mr Kellenberger. "The States, political authorities and organized armed groups concerned owe it to the people of Gaza and the region to take on this task now."

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