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:
“Whilst
a permanent halt to violence is crucial, a return to the status
quo of the blockade is not a solution. The Israeli blockade must be
lifted so that Palestinians can take control of their lives instead
of being trapped in a man-made cycle of aid dependency and poverty.”
“Displaced
in the UNRWA schools are anxious about their future in the Gaza
Strip. Many ask whether they will have to leave if the new school
year starts, whether UNRWA will support to repair or replace their
homes. A Palestinian woman from Beit Lahia, who is displaced with
her family for the third time over the course of the past 6 years
after returning from Europe to live in Gaza, told an UNRWA staff:
'What we need is peace. The situation is better here than outside the
schools, at least we have food, water, electricity and a roof. A
counselor is coming every day. But where will we go from here? Where
will we live? Where will we work?'”
“The
IDP numbers in UNRWA shelters remain fluid. As of yesterday 11 August
16:30, 27,396 IDPs had left UNRWA schools, but at least some are
expected to return after having visited their homes. Some come
back to the UNRWA shelters as they have nothing to eat and no water
at home, or return if they find their house uninhabitable or have no
family or friends to provide them with a temporary home. 209,522 IDPs
were sheltered yesterday in 88 UNRWA schools. 2 shelters were
closed in the Middle Area as the displaced relocated to another UNRWA
school which already serves as a shelter. 48.7 per cent of the
overall displaced in UNRWA schools are female, and 51.2 per cent are
male. This proportion is similar to the pattern of the overall Gaza
population.”
“Whilst
data on damage to UNRWA installations is according to preliminary
information and subject to change based on further verification,
particularly in those areas pending unexploded ordnance (UXO)
clearance, UNRWA estimates that at least 103 installations have
been damaged since 8 July 2014, the majority being UNRWA
schools. There is also recorded damage to health centers, sanitation
and social services facilities, and the UNRWA compound in Gaza City.
Some of UNRWA installations were damaged on multiple occasions.”
“Since
the last update, the Protection Cluster
recorded 2 additional fatalities. According to UN information, the
cumulative death toll among Palestinians stands at 1962. 1417 are
believed to be civilians, including 459 children and 238 women.”
“UNRWA
has started distributing maternity packages to new mothers who have
given birth during the current hostilities, and who are registered as
IDPs in its shelters across the Gaza Strip. A total of 344 new
babies are starting their life as IDPs in UNRWA schools, 152 girls
and 192 boys.”
“UNRWA’s
regular food distribution to a total caseload of over 830,000
beneficiaries continued. Food rations were provided to 3,123
families through all 12 UNRWA distribution centers.”
“Under
the UNRWA/WFP exceptional food distribution to 143,000 families
not currently receiving regular food aid from the two agencies, 7,902
rations were distributed through 12 UNRWA distribution centers.”
Full
Report:
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