Field update on Gaza from the Humanitarian Coordinator
25 March 2009
Situation Overview
Access for humanitarian relief items remains a priority since efforts to resume basic services and implement humanitarian and early recovery programs are limited in the absence of reconstruction materials and spare parts. Amounts and types of deliveries reaching Gaza continue being subject to random restrictions and unpredictable clearance procedures. The limited range of goods that Israel allows into Gaza changes regularly, creating major logistical problems for humanitarian agencies and making it difficult for them to implement programmes.
In the past week, the first delivery of cement since November 2008 (50 tons) was allowed to enter Gaza through the commercial channels specifically intended together with plumbing supplies, to rehabilitate damaged water works. However, according to the Coastal Municipal Water Authority, these supplies will not be useful without water pipes which remain blocked for entry since mid-January. The water supply has improved, but currently, some 40,000 people in Gaza still remain without water access through the public network. In addition, up to 100,000 people experience intermittent supply of water due to lack of materials.
At the cabinet meeting on 22 March, the Government of Israel issued an instruction to enable the entry into Gaza - without restriction - of foodstuffs from all relevant sources and after verification.
The IDF killed two Palestinians who were allegedly attempting to plant roadside bombs east of Deir El Balah city. Another two Palestinians, a farmer and a fisherman were injured by IDF gunfire east of Maghazi Camp and west of Beit Lahia. In addition, five fishermen were arrested west of Beit Lahia.
AccessintotheGazaStrip/ Crossings
Commodities Import
During the period from 15 to 21 March, a total of 728 truckloads of goods, including 140 for humanitarian aid agencies (19%), was allowed entry to Gaza.
Food supplies made up the vast majority of the imported commodities, accounting for 556 truckloads (76%) followed by hygiene/cleaning supplies (limited to chlorine, tissues and diapers), which accounted for 93 truckloads (13%). Non-edible consumables (largely blankets and mattresses) made up 32 truckloads (4%), medical supplies accounted for 21 truckloads (3%) and industrial/electrical appliances (limited to specific water related projects) made up 12 truckloads (2%).
The remaining 14 truckloads carried education/stationery supplies (6 truckloads), agricultural raw materials (5 truckloads of fertilized eggs), packaging applications (2 truckloads) and a single truckload of construction materials.
No livestock, vehicles/ transports and/or any other type of commodity was allowed entry this week. An average of 121 truckloads/day was allowed entry into Gaza this week compared to a daily average of 246 received in the third week of July 2008.
