The European Union expressed "grave concern" here Tuesday about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged "prompt and concrete measures" to solve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to allow for reconstruction and economic recovery.

"The European Union notes with concern that the situation on the ground has not improved since January 2009. The continued policy of closure, which has been in place since 2007, has devastated the private sector economy and further damaged the natural environment," said a Swedish EU Presidency statement. "The poor water quality is particularly worrying. The essential reconstruction of homes, schools and health facilities to which the international community, including the European Union committed itself at the Donors Conference in Sharm el Sheikh, is still prevented," it noted.