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oPt Humanitarian Overview: The Gaza Strip

oPt Humanitarian Overview: The Gaza Strip. The Humanitarian Impact of Two years of Blockade and the Israeli offensive on Gaza. Gaza Strip – Profile. Population 1.43 million (~1 million refugees) Crowded 3,881 persons per sq km Young 54% of the population under the age of 18 Poor

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oPt Humanitarian Overview: The Gaza Strip

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  1. oPt Humanitarian Overview: The Gaza Strip

  2. The Humanitarian Impact of Two years of Blockade and the Israeli offensive on Gaza

  3. Gaza Strip – Profile Population 1.43 million (~1 million refugees) Crowded 3,881 persons per sq km Young 54% of the population under the age of 18 Poor 80% poverty rate/79% aid dependant

  4. WORKERS AND TRADERS CROSSING EREZ / DAY Access andMovement Data Rafah Crossing Point Erez Crossing Point Karni Crossing Point Access to Gaza 6 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since April 2009 The Gaza Strip: August 2005 21 Settlements ~9,000 Israeli settlers The Gaza Strip 2009 KARNI: MONTHLY TRUCKLOADS 3 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since January 2009 PEOPLE CROSSING RAFAH / DAY

  5. The Israeli Blockade on Gaza Since June 2007 Air/sea movement banned All exports banned Import of most construction, raw materials & spare parts banned Imports restricted to food and hygiene; limited cash/fuel Medical referrals restricted Buffer zones

  6. The Impact of the Blockade 95% of private business closed More than 120,000 jobs lost Hospital functioning impeded Electricity reduced and intermittent Deterioration of water supply & sanitation services

  7. Deterioration of water and sanitation services 10,000 people with no access to piped water Repair and upgrade of treatment plants impeded 80 million liters of untreated and partially treated sewage discharged into the environment daily Increased health risks due to polluted sea water Sewage infiltrates into the aquifer: only 5-10% of the extracted water is safe

  8. The devastation of livelihoods 5,000 farmers and 10,000 agricultural laborers affected by export ban Local market saturated with previously exported items “Buffer Zone” expanded to 300 metres from the fence Fishing zone reduce to 3 nautical miles

  9. The Gaza War: 27 Dec 2008-18 Jan 2009 1.4 million civilians unprotected: Massive military aerial and ground bombardment Densely populated – small area No safe space – no bomb shelters No alarm/warning system No place to flee – all borders sealed

  10. People affected during “Cast Lead” Offensive 1,383 Palestinians fatalities, including 350 children, identified by OCHA. 5,303 Palestinian injuries (MoH) Civilian fatalities disputed: 73-83% (Palestinian HR orgs); 25-39% (IDF)

  11. Damage Assessment JRC, 28 Jan 2009 Gaza War Damages: • Publicinfrastructure • Agricultural land • Commerce/Industry • Residential buildings • UN property • Tunnels • All together

  12. Inability to reconstruct homes Ban on construction materials prevents reconstruction and repairs of homes “Cast Lead” housing impact: 3,500 destroyed 2,900 severely damaged 53,000 with minor damages 20,000 displaced people forced to live in alternative accommodation Pre- “Cast Lead” housing needs: 7,500 units

  13. Further Erosion of livelihoods Furtherdecline in the quality of all services Continued denial of right to leave Gaza, move to WB Limited capacity to address needs resulting of “Cast Lead” Increasing aid dependence The continued Blockade: A protracted human dignity crisis

  14. The way forward Ending the Blockade – GoI must: Lift restrictions on all Gaza crossings Allow free access to agricultural and fishing areas Allow access for goods and people between Gaza and the West Bank “Protection, food, water, healthcare, and shelter are basic human needs, not bargaining chips.” (John Holmes)

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