UN expert: Israeli occupation 'longest' in modern world

WASHINGTON A UN human rights investigator on Wednesday called the Israeli occupation in Palestine "the longest occupation" in the world. "Israel has occupied the Palestinian territory for more than 52 years, the longest belligerent occupation in the modern world," Michael Lynk, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, told the General Assembly. He said the international community has been reluctant to take action against Israel for its permanent occupation and serious violations of international law. "The status quo of Israel’s ‘occu-annexation’ is endlessly sustainable without decisive international intervention because of the grossly asymmetrical balance of power on the ground," said Lynk. Gaza The rights expert said the ongoing blockade -- land, sea and air -- has severely restricted basic rights of the residents including healthcare, education and livelihood. "The Gaza blockade is a denial of basic human rights and amounts to collective punishment," he said. Turning to ongoing protests by Gazans and the use of live ammunition by Israeli security forces, Lynk said Tel Aviv has not demonstrated accountability for their actions despite calls by the international community and civil society organizations. The “Great March of Return” and related protests have resulted in the deaths of 207 Palestinians and 33,828 have been injured, he said.