Pillay in an official statement said that the siege was depriving one and a half million Palestinians, including men, women and children, of their simplest rights by force. She said that the siege was thus a clear violation of the human rights and the international humanitarian laws.

The high commissioner urged Israel to facilitate the passage of humanitarian goods into Gaza including food, medical supplies and fuel in order to restore electricity and water services and other basic services. She also asked for lifting the restrictions on the movement of civilians for medical, educational and religious purposes.

Decisive steps must be taken to protect the citizens' dignity and safety, she said, noting that more than half the Gaza population is children.

Pillay further asked Israel to end its incursions and air raids against Gaza and also called for halting the firing of rockets from Gaza at Israeli targets.