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:
“The
Gaza population is terrified as the Israeli Air Force (IAF) continues
to destroy selected residential and commercial properties across the
Gaza Strip and in the heart of the coastal enclave, Gaza City. The
strikes follow warnings through leaflets, text messages or phone
calls, some of them pre-recorded, others reportedly sent from mobile
phone numbers abroad, to Gaza residents, just minutes
before an attack. Gazans do not know whether a text
message is a hoax, an immediate threat to their life, loved ones, or
home, or a general warning. The psychological impact of this practice
is enormous.”
“There
are no sirens and no bunkers for civilians, and there is nowhere safe
to run with the potential exception of UN facilities. Last night,
thirteen and fourteen floor towers in Gaza City were attacked and
completely destroyed. In the middle of the night, hundreds of
panicked residents from towers across from UNRWA’s main office in
Gaza city crowded into the yard of the Agency’s technical college
adjacent to the compound, hoping this would provide them some
enhanced degree of protection.”
“For
civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza City right now the
situation is more dangerous than at any time in the past fifty days,
with missiles strikes on vehicles taking place without warning right
outside buildings including the UNRWA compound. Yesterday
afternoon, a suspected drone strike impacted on the street 30 meters
from the UNRWA guards at the main gate. One distribution center
in Gaza City was closed after airstrikes in the near vicinity. The
UNRWA guard, who is there to protect the distribution center and to
ensure neutrality of UN installations, fell over taking cover and
sustained severe injuries on his back.”
“Over
the course of the past 24 hours and according to initial reports,
some 9 Palestinians were killed
and 74 injured, and one Palestinian died
of his wounds sustained during previous days of conflict.”
“Reportedly,
there were 69 rockets and 79 mortar shells fired towards Israel.
There were also reports that 128 air-to-ground missiles were fired
into Gaza. 155 tank shells were fired from the fence into
populated areas. Reportedly, 25 houses in Gaza were bombarded.”
“Almost
all families in Gaza are coping with grief – including many
cases in which multiple members of the same family have been killed.
Extreme and continuous levels of violence have caused deep levels of
fear in the population of Gaza.”
“An
emerging priority is emergency education activities. It has been
impossible for children to begin their 2014/2015 school year on 24
August due to the use of UNRWA schools as shelters. It will take time
and resources to return to a formal education environment.”
“More
than 20,000 homes are estimated to have been rendered uninhabitable.
Vital water and sanitation infrastructure has been damaged, with at
least 40 per cent of the water supply network unusable as of 22
August.”
“As
of last night, 289,109 IDPs took refuge in 85 UNRWA schools. The
total number of IDPs supported by UNRWA increased to 324,122,
including 35,013 IDPs sheltered in government facilities.”
“UNRWA’s
regular food distribution to a total caseload of over 830,000
beneficiaries continued. Food rations were provided to 3,913 families
through UNRWA distribution centers.”
“14
of 21 health centers were operating. 86 per cent of the staff
reported to work, and 16,223 patients were served on 25 August.”
“Data
on damage to UNRWA installations is based on preliminary information
and subject to change based on further verification. UNRWA
estimates that 110 installations have been damaged since 8 July
2014.”
Full
Report:
Comments
Post a Comment