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:
“...
due to movement restrictions, UNMAS [United Nations Mine Action
Service] stopped unexploded ordnance clearance of UNRWA
installations, thus delaying the start of damage assessments by UNRWA
engineers. Also, with continued hostilities and damage to property
across the Gaza Strip, UNRWA engineers cannot assess the damage to
homes, which again has an impact on support to families who have lost
everything. The cumulative number of housing units destroyed or
severely damaged is estimated at over 10,800, which is 70 per cent
higher than the damage incurred during the 2008/9 military operation.
The number of houses that sustained light or substantial damage (but
still inhabitable) is estimated at 36,700. The level of
destruction is unprecedented.”
“Mass
displacement continues. Within two days, the IDP numbers climbed
from 166,527 to 238,097 IDPs in 90 UNRWA shelters, renewing
concerns over the conditions in the schools which are not designed to
provide for a long term shelter.”
“Palestinians
know that, with the previous shelling to the Agency’s schools,
there is no such as a safe haven in Gaza, and there is nowhere safe
to go as the tiny coastal enclave is effectively sealed off. It
was reported that some Palestinians, previously sheltered in UNRWA
schools and currently undergoing medical treatment, refuse to leave
the hospital as they fear renewed shelling to the UNRWA schools.”
“...
every single family is affected by the war, displaced or sheltering
an unknown number of displaced, some 3 – 6 hours electricity per
day and with very little or no water supply ...”
“UNRWA
and WFP [UN World Food Programme] together are regularly providing
food aid to over 1 million Palestinians in Gaza. The number of
Palestine refugees coming to UNRWA for food aid has increased from
less than 80,000 in 2000 to over 830,000 today as Gazans are trapped
in a cycle of unemployment, food insecurity and aid dependency
because of the Israeli blockade.”
“According
to UN information, the cumulative death toll among Palestinians
stands at 1,948, with 9 additional fatalities reported, including
three boys, one girl and two women. As of 10 August
2014, and according to information provided by the Ministry of
Health, the cumulative number of injured has reached 9,875. The
death toll on the Israeli side stands at 67, including 64 soldiers,
three civilians and one foreign national.”
“Bassema
Ghanem is one of UNRWA counselors working to help the displaced
children. She says: 'Our main goal is to provide them with a sense of
safety and security so that they feel protected', which is a
challenging undertaking given the attacks on UNRWA schools. Even
small children know there is nowhere safe to go in the entire Gaza
Strip, and nobody can leave. 'As counselors, we have noticed
serious behavioral changes in children, such as aggression, anger,
nervousness and restlessness. Children cannot sleep or fall asleep
only to wake up screaming in the middle of the night, clinging to
their parents.'”
“Since
the beginning of the crisis, UNRWA’s Community Mental Health
Programme has served over 91,000 parents and engaged over 100,000
children in recreational activities.”
“There
is a remarkable 39 percent increase in patients coming from shelters
compared to Thursday 7 August.”
“Reportedly,
there were 29 rockets fired towards Israel. There were also
reports that 77 air-to-ground missiles were fired into Gaza in
addition to 25 navy shells. 45 tank shells were fired into
populated areas.”
“UNRWA
estimates that 97 installations have been damaged since 8 July 2014.
Data on damage to UNRWA installations is based on preliminary
information and subject to change based on further verification.”
Full
Report:
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