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:
“As
of 10 August 2014, the Agency sheltered 236,918 IDPs in 90 UNRWA
schools.”
“Today
at 1300hrs, UNRWA and WFP will commence an exceptional food
distribution to all families not currently receiving regular food aid
from the two agencies. 143,000 families – approximately 730,000
individuals – will receive a standard ration of flour (30kg)
and rice (10kg).”
“The
exceptional food distribution comes in addition to UNRWA
and WFP providing regular food aid to over 1 million Palestinians in
Gaza and to ongoing food distributions in shelters.”
“According
to UN information, the cumulative death toll
among Palestinians stands at 1960. 1395 are believed to be civilians,
including 458 children and 237 women.”
“With
the economy effectively destroyed through the blockade,
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.
Throughout the current military escalation, staff safety, closure of
distribution centers and lack of access to UNRWA warehouses present a
daily challenge to the Agency.”
“Riyad
El-Lulu is responsible for UNRWA’s food distribution center in
Nuseirat, one of the Agency’s 12 centers in the Gaza Strip. His
staff work some 14 hours per day, surrounded by incessant shelling,
sometimes in the immediate neighborhood. 'I had to leave my home
in Bureij and move to Nuseirat so that I can come to work at the
center here', he says. 'It is our duty as UNRWA staff and as
Palestinians to support our people with assistance they desperately
need during these difficult times.'”
“Food
commodities are procured through international tenders and imported
through the only functional border crossing with Israel, Kerem
Shalom, and stored in UNRWA warehouses across the Gaza Strip.”
“Reportedly,
and before the 72 hour ceasefire came into effect at midnight, there
were 55 rockets fired towards Israel. There were also reports that
66 air-to-ground missiles were fired into Gaza in addition to 67 tank
shells. 16 houses were reportedly bombarded by the IDF.”
“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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