The Government Media Office in Gaza has called on Arab and Islamic countries to intervene urgently and break the siege imposed on the territory. The appeal was reported by IRNA from Tehran and was directed to governments across the Arab and Islamic world. The media office warned that cuts to aid could have catastrophic consequences for Palestinians. It said further reductions would intensify the humanitarian effects of the blockade and make essential assistance harder to deliver. Regional governments were urged to use their political influence to press for a change in the restrictions. The statement did not set out a timetable or specify the measures those governments should take.