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Gaza Humanitarian Overview June 2010. The Humanitarian Impact of the 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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The Humanitarian Impact of the 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 80% poverty rate/79% aid dependant
Access to Gaza Erez Crossing Point Erez Crossing Point 6 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since April 2006 The Gaza Strip 2010 The Gaza Strip: August 2005 21 Settlements ~9,000 Israeli settlers The Gaza Strip 2007 3 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since January 2009 Nahal Oz Crossing Point Nahal Oz Crossing Point Karni Crossing Point Karni Crossing Point Sufa Crossing Point Sufa Crossing Point Rafah Crossing Point Rafah Crossing Point Kerem Shalom Crossing Point Kerem Shalom Crossing Point
Gaza background: 2005-2007 August-Nov. 2005: Removal of settlements, IDF, AMA January 2006: Hamas wins PLC elections March 2006: Hamas sets up government in oPt; International sanctions imposed on PA Reduced/intermittent access Strikes and weakened public services Summer 2006: Qassams, Shalit, IDF “Summer Rains” March 2007: National Unity Government June 2007: Hamas takeover of Gaza
The Israeli Blockade on Gaza Since June 2007 Air/sea movement banned Import of most construction, raw materials & spare parts banned All exports banned Imports restricted to food and hygiene; limited cash/fuel Medical referrals restricted Buffer zones
The Impact of the Blockade 70% of industrial estab. closed by end of 2007 About 100,000 jobs lost by end of 2008 Hospital functioning impeded Electricity reduced and intermittent Deterioration of water supply & sanitation services
The Gaza War: 27 Dec 2008-18 Jan 2009 1.43 million civilians unprotected: Massive military aerial and ground bombardment Densely populated – small area No alarm/warning system No safe space / bomb shelters No place to flee: borders sealed
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) People killed in internal clashes
Damage Assessment JRC, 28 Jan 2009 Gaza War Damages: • Publicinfrastructure • Agricultural land • Commerce/Industry • Residential buildings • UN property • Tunnels • All together
Since last Israeli military offensive: Imports 20% compared to before June 2007 85% Food & Hygiene, up from 17% 70% of industrial establishments closed Agriculture & Fishing undermined Abject poverty up threefold: from100,000 to 300,000 among refugees 40% unemployment, 61% food insecure Shelter and Classroom/School shortage Deteriorating Electricity crisis: power cuts between 6-12 hours/day 80% aid dependent
Limited capacity to address needs resulting of Israeli military offensive “Cast Lead” Further Erosion of livelihoods – “Buffer Zone” Furtherdecline in the quality of all services Denial of right to leave Gaza, move to WB Increasing aid dependence The continued Blockade: A protracted human dignity crisis
From a list of permitted items to a list of banned items Construction materials for International Community and Palestinian Authority projects Extension of crossing working ours No easing on movement of people No easing on import of raw materials No easing on exports The blockade “easings” declared by GOI, June 20
The way forward Lift the Blockade: Lift restrictions on all Gaza crossings Allow import of raw materials and exports Allow free access to agricultural and fishing areas Allow access for goods and people between Gaza and the West Bank Economic Recovery Decreased Aid Dependence