In December 2006, CERF allocated US$ 5 million to Gaza in order for the United Nations to rapidly respond to the humanitarian needs in Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip in the Occupied Palestinian territory. Beit Hanoun town is located in Northern Gaza, with a total population of a little more than 35,000 people; 70% of whom are registered refugees.
As a result of the fiscal crisis and the corresponding increase in poverty, unemployment and dependency rates in the Gaza Strip, neither the Palestinian Authority, nor the Palestinian people affected, have the financial capacity to repair and reconstruct the damages done to infrastructure and private property. As winter approaches, shelter, basic health services and water and sanitation facilities are urgently needed to repair shelters and other vital infrastructure as well as to restock medical supplies to save lives.
Impact of “Operation Autumn Clouds”
During this incursion which began on 1 November, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) killed 82 Palestinians and injured more than 260 in northern Gaza. Almost half of all fatalities have been civilian - at least 39 civilians have been killed, including 18 children (aged 18 years and under) and ten women. The stated aim of the Israeli incursion, which the IDF codenamed Operation Autumn Clouds, was to halt the firing of home made rockets into Israel by Palestinian militants.
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Palestinian rescue men search for survivors
[Photo: IRIN]
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During the six-day incursion, most of Beit Hanoun was without electricity and water. There has been extensive infrastructure damage, particularly to roads. The primary health care service effectively ceased to operate as health staff were unable to leave their homes. Similarly, education services were shut down for one week, including UNRWA schools serving nearly 10,500 pupils. A first assessment by the Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights found that 18 housing units were completely destroyed, along with the 850 year old Al Nasser mosque and an office belonging to the Union of Agricultural Work Committees. There was partial damage to approximately 150 housing units and 130 dunums of land.
WHO will provide urgent medicines and medical supplies to clinics affected by the military incursion. As the risk of further incursions is high, particularly in the northern areas, so emergency medical supplies are vital given the high number of casualties and emergency cases. At the same time, movement restrictions (including curfews) can result in delays or impediments to the transfer of patients to facilities outside the area under occupation. Given the restrictions on movement, having necessary drugs on hand is crucial for life-saving activities.
UNDP will rehabilitate damaged municipal water and sanitation services to provide easier access to health and educational facilities in Beit Hanoun and reduce health risks.
[Last updated: 27 March 2007]
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