'Life in Gaza is Subhuman; Israel Obstructs NGOs': MSF Emergency Health Manager

Dr. Alan Pereira, the Emergency Health Manager of Medecins Sans Frontieres, who has just been in Gaza, says that living conditions there are "subhuman" and, worse, Israel obstructs the work of NGOs like MSF. United Nation agencies report that over 90% of homes are damaged or even destroyed and Dr. Pereira says that most people are living in tents, often five to six per tent.

Pereira says there is no electricity and all the food and water has to be brought from outside. He says children in the last two years have not seen fresh vegetables or fresh meat. Most people survive on canned food. Clean potable water is difficult to get and NGOs like MSF desalinate sea water.

This interview is an attempt to describe and explain what Gaza looks and feels like and how the people of Gaza are managing to survive. Pereira says that the additional aid permitted by Israel since the peace deal commenced – which is by no means anyway near enough – has so far not made any significant difference.

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