U.N. official gloomy about Gaza

GAZA, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- The head of a U.N. relief agency thinks an international peace keeping force in Gaza would end its economic and political isolation.

U.N. Relief and Works Agency leader Karen AbuZayd blamed the region's woes on financial sanctions, siege from Israel and daily targeted killings which have resulted in the deaths of more than 220 Palestinians since the end of June, the BBC reported. The report quoted her as saying Israeli military action is creating suffering and mass despair and not a desire for political compromise.

"It would be great to have an international presence, civilian, military, whatever," to provide some protection to Gaza's 1.5 million people, she told the BBC.