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:
“At
the time of reporting, there remained 229,872 people sheltering in
81 UNRWA schools. The average number of people in each UNRWA
shelter is about 2,800. The total number of people UNRWA is
supporting through its own shelters and non-UNRWA schools, is more
than 256,000. Almost half of the displaced in UNRWA shelters are
children below the age of 18.”
“According
to UN information, the cumulative death toll among Palestinians
stands at 1975. 1417 are believed to be civilians, including 459
children and 239 women.”
“Zaitoun
Elem co-ed school, now operating as a shelter, is providing refuge to
approximately 4,200 displaced people. Ms Huiyda Al Ghoul is a
School Counselor working at the shelter to support the families and
children who have been most impacted by their experiences of
displacement and conflict. Ms Huiyda, who has been employed by UNRWA
for 13 years as a school counselor, explains her work at the shelter,
'we provide respite and distraction for the children from the general
conflict situation and utilize their time in the shelter in a
child-friendly atmosphere.' Ms Huiyda and other counselors facilitate
recreational activities for children, such as games, sports and
drawing to give children an opportunity to play and to express their
thoughts and emotions. Individual and group counseling is provided
to those in need of more specialized support.”
“Counselors
provide a much-needed outlet for people to talk about their
experiences; and help families to support children in dealing with
the impacts of their experiences. Many children and adults have
inherent coping capacities that help them to deal with what they have
experienced, so, as Ms Huiyda explains, 'we focus on children and
families that have undergone extreme experiences as well as the ones
showing signs of particular vulnerability.'”
“Many
families are gathering extended members to try and have some time
together before the current ceasefire ends on Monday.”
“UNRWA’s
regular food distribution to a total caseload of over 830,000
beneficiaries continued on 16 August. Food rations were provided to
3,283 families through all 12 UNRWA distribution centres.”
“Under
the UNRWA/WFP exceptional food distribution to 143,000 families not
currently receiving regular food aid from the two agencies,
10,903 rations were distributed through 12 UNRWA distribution
centres.”
“It
is reported that during the reporting period the Israeli
Navy opened fire towards Palestinian boats in Northern Gaza
and that there was an IDF shooting incident near the security fence
with Israel.”
“Data
on damage to UNRWA installations is based on preliminary information
and subject to change based on further verification. UNRWA
estimates that 108 installations have been damaged since 8 July
2014.”
Full
Report:
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