24
hour reports by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
Due to
the dramatic escalation in violence over the past few days and the
massive assault on Gaza, UNRWA has declared an emergency in all five
areas of the Gaza Strip. It is closely monitoring the situation and
stands ready to mount an emergency response should that become
necessary. The priority for the Agency has now shifted to emergency
operations, providing assistance to those who have been displaced and
sought shelter in UNRWA schools, while attempting to continue regular
operations. Urgent funding needs persist and are increasing
Key
parts:
“The
impact of the ongoing conflict on civilians continues to be
devastating for communities in the Gaza Strip. At the time of
reporting 17,000 distraught people had fled their homes in Northern
Gaza, to shelter in 20 UNRWA schools in Gaza City and the North Area.
In addition, there were almost 300 people requesting temporary
shelter in the Middle Area.”
“UNRWA’s
preparedness levels are high but history shows that the organization
can expect to shelter up to 50,000 displaced Gazans in its schools if
a ground invasion occurs. Yet, the organisation holds NFI [Non Food
Item] stock for less than 35,000, a legacy of scarce financial
resources that did not allow UNRWA to replenish contingency supplies
after the devastating flooding in December, 2013. As well as the
essential non food item stocks now being provided, the displacement
of Gazan families has resulted in the need to provide additional food
assistance. UNRWA has an existing partnership with WFP to provide
food, but there is an urgent need for more funding to complete the
food basket in shelters.”
“Over
the past 24 hours, 9 deaths and 33 injuries have been reported.
Amongst the dead are two woman and five children – all boys. At
least 32 children have been reportedly killed since Tuesday, 8 July.”
“Reportedly,
294 missiles were fired by Israel to the Gaza Strip. 214 rockets and
30 mortars were fired towards Israel. The Israeli navy fired 200
shells at targets in Gaza, and it is reported that 55 houses in Gaza
were bombarded by Israel. IDF [Israel Defense Forces] positioned at
the border fired 47 artillery and tank shells. There
were 9 deaths and 33 injuries reported. This takes the reported total
death toll since Tuesday, to 174, with approximately 1,152 injured.
Reports indicate that at least 32 children have been killed over this
time period.”
“The
Israeli blockade of Gaza entered its 8th year in June 2014 and
continues to have a devastating effect as access to markets and
people’s movement to and from the Gaza Strip remain severely
restricted. The economy and its capacity to create jobs has been
devastated, with the majority of the population becoming dependent on
humanitarian aid to meet basic needs. The number of Palestine
refugees relying on UNRWA for food aid has increased from less than
80,000 in 2000 to over 830,000 today.”
Full
Report:
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