occupied Palestinian territory
http://ochaonline.un.org/optIn the closing months of 2008, the sustained blockade of the Gaza Strip intensified an already grave situation with devastating results on the socio-economic conditions of the Palestinian population. Continued Israeli restrictions have led to severe shortages of basic food and non-food commodities, fuel and electricity, thus affecting every aspect of daily life. More than 80 per cent of Gazans are now reliant on humanitarian assistance. This situation is compounded by the de facto separate administrations of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
In the West Bank, the obstacles to internal movement and access to basic services stem from the Barrier construction, the continued expansion of settlements and the related expansion and entrenchment of a closure regime that includes more than 600 military checkpoints and other physical obstacles blocking Palestinian access to roads. Restrictions on access to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank will continue to hamper economic recovery and the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout 2009. To support aid organizations in addressing these growing challenges, OCHA will maintain presences in Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah and N-ablus, expanding its access and protection, monitoring and advocacy activities. It will also reinforce its field office in Gaza, which remains a priority concern for the humanitarian community.
The first year of operation of the Humanitarian Relief Fund (HRF) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) successfully delivered immediate emergency assistance to more than 3,200 Palestinians affected by harsh weather conditions and disease following unexpected emergencies. In 2009, OCHA plans to expand the HRF, strengthen its management and improve its flexibility. This will ensure the efficient funding of sudden emergencies and critical gaps. OCHA will endeavour to further strengthen existing coordination mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the protection of civilians, access and needs assessments. OCHA will complete the establishment of a protection and access unit within the OCHA office, in support of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT).
Throughout 2009, OCHA will continue to advocate for the protection of civilians and the respect of international humanitarian law and principles. It will continue to lead the efforts of the humanitarian community to draw the attention of relevant authorities to pressing humanitarian concerns. Reports and maps on protection, movement and access will be shared with international, Palestinian and Israeli media, as well as with relevant authorities, donors and other humanitarian partners. OCHA will ensure that relevant stakeholders are provided with the latest updates on issues, including the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip; protection; access and movement; the humanitarian impact of the Barrier; the impact of the closure regime in the West Bank; and, the humanitarian impact of natural disasters. OCHA will continue to co-chair the United Nations Advocacy and Public Information Committee and chair the Advocacy Working Group of the Humanitarian Country Team.
Key Objectives, Outputs and Indicators
