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UNITED NATIONS-The UN Security Council on Tuesday kicked off an emergency session on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as Israel eased its crippling blockade of the territory imposed in response to militant rocket fire.The meeting, which kicked off 45 minutes behind schedule at 10:45 am (1545 GMT), had been requested by Arab and Islamic states amid a growing international outcry at what the EU termed the "collective punishment" of Gaza's 1.5 million residents.The 15 ambassadors were negotiating on a draft statement submitted by Libya, the council chair this month, that would call on Israel to end its lockdown of Gaza and ensure "unhindered access for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people", according to a copy of the text obtained by AFP.The statement would also urge Israel "to abide by its obligation under international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, and immediately to cease all its illegal measures and practices against the Palestinian civilian population in the Gaza Strip."But Western diplomats said they would push for inclusion of language that would also call for an end to rocket firing into Israel by Gaza-based militants.Britain's deputy UN ambassador Karen Pierce told AFP that her delegation would be prepared to support a "balanced text," referring to the need to also call for an end to the rocket firing into Israel.Palestinian UN observer Ryad Mansour, who Monday said he wanted the council to pass a resolution condemning Israel's "crippling, cruel siege on the Palestinian civilian population," Tuesday said he would be satisfied with the non-binding statement under consideration."What is important for us is (for) the Security Council to react in a concrete and clear way to put a end to the tragedy of our people in Gaza and we hope the Security Council will do that," he told reporters.Ahead of the meeting, Israel vowed to oppose the passing of a resolution."We can't tolerate a situation where the Security Council debates only the situation of residents in the Gaza Strip and completely ignores that of Israelis living under the constant threat of Qassam rockets," its foreign ministry said in a statement.Tuesday, power returned to parts of Gaza City as Israel eased a punishing blockade now in its fifth day and allowed in limited amounts of fuel to the impoverished Hamas-run territory in the face strong international reaction and warnings of a humanitarian crisis.Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas called on the Jewish state to completely lift the lockdown of the territory where most people depend on foreign aid.As in the days of Noah....
