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
total number of Palestinian deaths reported by the Protection Cluster
currently stands at 656. The number of displaced people
is now more than double the peak number from the 2008/9 conflict, and
now exceeds 117,468 in 77 schools.”
“Movements
are severely restricted by a 3km ‘buffer zone’ instituted by the
Israeli Defense Force (IDF), which encompasses roughly 43 percent of
the entire territory; as well as by heavy fighting in some other
areas. Access to UNRWA facilities East of Salah El Din Road is
particularly challenging. While a number of efforts have been made at
implementing temporary ceasefires, these have not been fully
successful. The expanded ‘buffer zone’ and military activities
are also restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid and movement of
civilian populations.”
“According
to the Protection Cluster, the number of
Palestinians reported killed in the current escalation in violence
has now reached a staggering 656. Speaking at a news
briefing in Geneva on 22 July, OCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke stressed
that 'there is literally no safe place
for civilians' in Gaza. In
the past 24 hour period, 74 Palestinians were reported killed,
including 10 women and 10 children. According to the
Ministry of Health, the total number of Palestinians reported injured
since the current emergency began has climbed to 4,120. Two
Israeli soldiers were reportedly killed during this period, with
international media reporting that the Israeli death toll currently
stands at 31, including two civilians. It is with great sadness that
UNRWA has received reports of another UNRWA staff member being killed
overnight.”
“Since
the Israeli ground offensive started on 17 July, numbers of IDPs in
Gaza have risen dramatically, more than doubling between 17 and 18
July and rising by more than 10,000 people in every 24- hour period
since (up to 22 July).”
“Suppliers
in Gaza and North Areas have indicated that they would not be able to
provide food for more than one or two days if roads were cut and
Kerem Shalom crossing was closed.”
“Since
the current emergency started, 84 UNRWA installations have
sustained damage. This includes mainly schools and health centers, in
addition to a water pump, the Rehabilitation Centre for the Visually
Impaired and warehouses containing vital stock for UNRWA operations.
Of particular concern is the attack against an UNRWA School in
Maghazi, as reported on 22 July. 1.2 million refugees in Gaza rely on
the services provided through UNRWA infrastructure and any damage to
installations therefore has a significant impact on UNRWA’s ability
to continue providing much- needed essential services to an already
vulnerable population.”
“The
impacts of the current escalation in violence have been particularly
severe for children. A six year old child in Gaza today is currently
experiencing their third conflict, with major impacts on psychosocial
well being. The United Nations Office for Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that 72,000 children need
immediate psychosocial support to cope with the trauma of having lost
family members or friends, having a home destroyed, being displaced,
and experiencing the constant fear of shelling. Children have made up
more than 22% of all Palestinian fatalities, with 147 killed since
the emergency was declared (100 boys and 47 girls). OCHA latest
situation report states that over the past two days, one child has
been killed every hour.”
“Reportedly
there were 111 rockets and 35 mortar shells fired towards Israel.
There were also reports that 114 missiles were fired into Gaza in
addition to 205 navy shells and 1204 tank shells. Reportedly, 34
houses were bombarded.”
“A
total of 84 UNRWA installations have been damaged since 1 June, 2014.
In the past 24 hours, 7 UNRWA installations were damaged, including
six schools in Middle Area and One School in North Gaza.”
Full
Report:
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