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:
“According
to preliminary information recorded by the Protection Cluster, the
cumulative death toll among Palestinians stands at 2,076. 1,454 –
70 per cent – are believed to be civilians, including 491 children
and 253 women. Out of the 2,076 killed, 253 are
believed to be militants, and the status of a further 369 killed
Palestinians is still to be determined.”
“As
of last night, 283,220 IDPs took refuge in 85 UNRWA schools.
The slight numerical decrease is due to improvements in the
registration system. Particularly in the North, which has the highest
shelter population, the displaced were moving between several
shelters and between shelters and homes to collect personal items,
making it difficult to provide accurate data. The total number of
IDPs supported by UNRWA is 319,356, including 36,136 IDPs sheltered
in government facilities.”
“Throughout
the conflict, 594 babies, 331 boys and 263 girls, were born to
mothers taking refuge in UNRWA emergency shelters.”
“The
entire population of the Gaza Strip is currently depending on food
aid. Under the UNRWA and WFP exceptional food aid distribution,
which commenced on 11 August, 69 per cent of all eligible 143,000
families (approximately 730,000 individuals) received their rations
so far.”
“UNRWA
also continues its regular food distribution, consisting of flour,
rice, sugar, sunflower oil, milk powder and canned meat, to a total
of 830,000 beneficiaries six days a week through its distribution
centers, as well as the provision of food aid to shelters in
cooperation with WFP.”
“It
is early on Sunday morning and the sound of school bells can be
heard. Playgrounds are full. Students are in lines singing the
Palestinian national anthem. Teachers are supervising activities.
Speeches are being delivered. This however, is not a typical
school assembly, falling on day 48 of a war that has seen
unprecedented loss of life and devastation across the Gaza Strip.”
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“Bisan
will commence the 8th grade this year. She has been taking refuge
with her family in Beach Elementary Co-ed School C for the past 37
days and participated in the ceremony held there. 'We will smile
despite the destruction, displacement and homelessness we are
passing through,' said Bisan. 'The world’s students are now
preparing their school bags following a happy summer vacation,
celebrating the new school year and meeting their friends, but we
Gaza children are not.' The reality of the situation for
children in Gaza compared to that of those in other countries also
does not go unnoticed by Bisan and her classmates. 'I hope that
we can lead a normal life similar to other children in the world
and can go to our schools in safety and security; we did not do
anything wrong and on this day we should have been sitting at
school desks.'”
|
“Alternative
teaching and curriculum also provide for the opportunity to help
children learn about maintaining their health and personal safety,
including how to avoid unexploded ordnances.”
“Under
its Community Mental Health Program (CMHP), 95 UNRWA counselors
reported to the shelters on 24 August. So far the CMHP has provided
18,128 sessions encompassing mental health awareness, psychosocial
support covering 151,266 parents and recreational and animation
activities to 176,667 children. CMHP also coordinated and supervised
the implementation of 4,465 sessions by other partners covering
22,828 adult IDPs and 121,822 children.”
“14
of 21 health centers were operating. 83 per cent of the staff
reported to work, and 16,449 patients were served on 24 August.”
“Reportedly,
there were 75 rockets and 81 mortar shells fired towards Israel.
There were also reports that 168 air-to-ground missiles were fired
into Gaza in addition to 35 navy shells. 168 tank shells
were fired from the fence into populated areas. Reportedly, 33 houses
were bombarded.”
“Data
on damage to UNRWA installations is based on preliminary information
and subject to change based on further verification. UNRWA
estimates that 109 installations have been damaged since 8 July
2014.”
Full
Report:
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