Humanitarian impact of the conflictA “human dignity crisis” from the destruction of livelihoods, infrastructure and basic services
The recent conflict and violence on the Gaza Strip which commenced on 27 December 2008 compounded an already grave humanitarian crisis. The ground incursion which began on 3 January 2009 was preceded by intensive shelling from air and sea along the entire length of the border inside Gaza. Casualties number 1,300 dead and 5,300 injured according to the Ministry of Health in the Occupied Palestine Territory (OPT). Around half are women and children. Among the Israeli, 13 fatalities are reported and 84 injured according to the Israeli Police. (Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Situation Report on the Humanitarian Situation in the Gaza Strip – No. 13, 17-18 January 2009). Significant damage to and destruction of key roads, power and water infrastructure and buildings has been reported in the Gaza Strip, including to a large gas storage facility and electricity transformers, posing immediate risk to health. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the current crises, without having enough medical staff, drugs, equipment and space to treat the wounded. The Ministry of Health in Gaza said that even before the air strikes started, 105 items on the essential drug list were nearly depleted during the conflict. Hundreds of homes have also been destroyed and damaged resulting in the displacement of thousands of people. Several schools sustained minor to moderate damages. Classes have been suspended, as have mid-year exams, which were underway when the strikes began. The recent targeting of schools, which are being used as temporary shelters, has added to the heavy death toll of children. Schools must be safe havens and never be used for military operations or military targets. This crisis follows the 18-month long blockade imposed by Israel on Gaza concerning most goods entering or exiting the Strip. This had caused a “human dignity crisis”, including a massive destruction of livelihoods and a significant deterioration of infrastructure and basic services. Update: 19 January 2009
Donate now!
Crisis in Gaza Palestinian Casualty Update Palestinian MoH Dead – 1,314 Injured – 5,300 Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Gaza Strip Situation Map - 13 Jan 2009
Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs |
