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The Humanitarian Impact of the Blockade and the ‘Cast Lead’ Israeli offensive on Gaza

The Humanitarian Impact of the Blockade and the ‘Cast Lead’ Israeli offensive on Gaza. Gaza Strip – Profile. Population 1.43 million (~1 million refugees, ~70%) Crowded 3,881 persons per sq km Young 54% of the population under the age of 18 Poor 80% aid dependant. Access to Gaza. Erez

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The Humanitarian Impact of the Blockade and the ‘Cast Lead’ Israeli offensive on Gaza

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  1. The Humanitarian Impact of the Blockade and the ‘Cast Lead’ Israeli offensive on Gaza

  2. Gaza Strip – Profile Population 1.43 million (~1 million refugees, ~70%) Crowded 3,881 persons per sq km Young 54% of the population under the age of 18 Poor 80% aid dependant

  3. Access to Gaza Erez Crossing Point Since June 2007 Up to August 2005 Since September 2005 6 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since April 2006 3 nautical miles (horizon) Effective since January 2009 • Despite the ‘disengagement’ Israel maintained direct control over: • All land crossings, except Rafah (indirect) • Air space • Territorial waters • Taxation over imported goods • Population registry Nahal Oz Crossing Point Karni Crossing Point Rafah Crossing Point Sufa Crossing Point Kerem Shalom Crossing Point

  4. Israel imposes a comprehensive blockade

  5. Israel imposes a comprehensive blockade

  6. Israel imposes a comprehensive blockade

  7. Gaza 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 2006: Qassams, Shalit, IDF “Summer Rains”, “Hot Winter” military offensives. March 2007: National Unity Government June 2007: Hamas takeover of Gaza Israeli Blockade on Gaza

  8. 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

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

  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) People killed in internal clashes

  11. The Israeli Blockade on Gaza since June 2007 Import of most construction, raw materials & spare parts banned Import of consumer goods and fuel restricted Movement of people largely banned Access to agricultural land and fishing areas increasingly limited – Buffer Zones

  12. Impact of Blockade: Livelihoods devastated 120,000 private sector jobs lost in first two years 268 establishments destroyed during “Cast Lead” 70% of industrial establishments closed (Jan 2010) Over 40% unemployment (2010)

  13. Land Restricted Areas ‘No-Go’ Zone: zero to 500 meters ‘High Risk’ Zone: 500 to 1000/1500 meters 17% of the Gaza Strip 35% of Gaza’s agricultural land

  14. Land leveling - Beit Hanoun agricultural area

  15. Sea Restricted Areas • Access to sea areas along the coast gradually restricted • Since early 2009 - 85% of coastal areas off limits

  16. Poverty and Food Insecurity UNRWA: “Abject poverty" among refugees tripled since the the blockade from 100,000 to 300,000 61% of households food insecure Shift in diet from high cost and protein rich food to low cost and high carbohydrate foods Concerns over mineral and vitamin deficiencies Some 80% receives humanitarian assistance, mainly food.

  17. Protracted Energy Crisis Power supply constantly about 30% below demand Power plant operates at a 30% -60% of its capacity Scheduled cuts between 4-6 and 8-12 hrs/day (up to 16hrs/day) Households left with partial food refrigeration Services and utilities forced to rely on generators and UPS (Uninterruptable power supply)units vulnerable due to inconsistent supply of spare parts

  18. A Challenged Health System Impossible to ensure medical equipment availability and proper maintenance Referral abroad subject to long and arduous permit processing Medical staff largely prevented from sufficient upgrading of knowledge and skills

  19. Deterioration of water and sanitation services Only 5-10% of the extracted water is safe; Very limited / intermittent running water Sea water and sewage infiltrate into aquifer Over 40% water loss due to leakages Between 50 and 80 million liters of untreated or partially treated sewage discharged into the environment daily Increased health risks due to polluted water

  20. The blockade “easings” as declared: • From a list of permitted items to a list of banned and “grey” (“dual usage”) items • Construction materials enter for International Community projects only pending on approval • Extension of crossing hours per demand/need Changes on the ground: • Increase in import of consumer goods • Some easing on import of raw materials • Minor easing on exports • No easing on movement of people

  21. Truckloads entering through Gaza crossings : * *Food and hygiene items make more than 50% of weekly imports; before May 2007 made only 20%

  22. Housing needs unmet The ban on construction materials prevents addressing the growing housing needs “Cast Lead” caseload: 6,300 units Natural growth (2007-2010): 68,400 units Over 600,000 truckloads required

  23. The continued Blockade: A protracted human dignity crisis • Limited capacity to address construction needs resulting of Israeli military offensive and natural growth • Further Erosion of livelihoods – “Buffer Zone” • Furtherdecline in the quality of services • Denial of right to leave Gaza, move to WB • Increasing aid dependence

  24. 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

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