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
situation over the past 24 hours can only be described as devastating
for women, men and children in Gaza. Shortly after an agreed
five-hour UN brokered "humanitarian pause” in the conflict,
which concluded at 15:00 on 17 July, violence between Hamas and
Israel escalated dramatically as rocket fire intensified almost
instantly after the end of the “pause”. This dashed any hopes of
an immediate long-term cessation of hostilities and has brought more
despair to communities throughout Gaza.”
“Health
clinics saw a dramatic increase in patients who felt safe enough to
venture outside their homes. UNRWA health clinic visits increased
from 8,891 on Wednesday, to 13,270 on 17 July.”
“Sources
indicate that the ground incursion is the most intense Gaza has
experienced since the conflict that ended in January 2009, when there
was a massive loss of life and widespread alleged targeting of
civilian infrastructure, including mosques, houses, schools and
medical facilities. The 2008/9 conflict is considered to be the
largest and deadliest military operation in Gaza since 1967.”
“UNRWA’s
emergency operations have significantly expanded over the past 24
hours, predominately in response to the displacement of more
distraught Gazans. 30,000 people are now sheltering in 29
designated emergency shelters in three of five areas of the Gaza
Strip.”
“The
practice of targeting the homes of alleged militants over the past
ten days has resulted in damage or destruction of many refugee
families’ homes. Many have taken shelter with relatives or
neighbours.”
“According
to the Protection Cluster, there were 34
deaths yesterday, including two women, and eight children – six
boys and two girls. Reportedly, a total of 261 fatalities have been
recorded since 8 July, including at least 33 women and 55 children.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports at least 1,800 injuries
during the same time period.”
“Reportedly,
784 missiles and other projectile were fired via air, land and sea
by Israel to the Gaza Strip. 239 rockets and mortars were fired
towards Israel.”
“A
total of 64 UNRWA installations have been damaged since 1 June,
2014. In the past 24 hours, 3 UNRWA installations were damaged –
one Health Centre in the Middle Area, one RSSP office and one
Microfinance office.”
Full
Report:
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