Amnesty International believes the international community should exert pressure on Israel if the country refuses to lift its blockade of Gaza.

"The Israeli government names firing of rockets by Palestinian groups and holding of Gilad Shalit in captivity the main reason for the blockade, but collective punishment of innocent civilians violates international law," Francesca Burke, co-author of Amnesty International's last report, told Trend News over the telephone.

The report was publicized at the first anniversary of the end of Israel's military operations "Cast Lead" in the Gaza Strip.