tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23426297615863586612024-02-08T04:26:39.599+02:00Aid2GazaAid into Gaza: as much information as possible,<br>from as many sources as possible,<br>as quickly as possibleEmbassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-77188173464508077672009-03-27T14:22:00.001+03:002009-07-14T17:25:53.461+03:00Irregular updates<div class="Section1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">This site is currently not being maintained. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We will publish irregular updates whenever we can, and the site will be relaunched with long-term data on ongoing imports and exports concerning Gaza soon. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">In the meantime, we thank you for your support.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></div>Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-44030958766662667302009-03-26T14:24:00.000+02:002009-03-26T14:27:30.711+02:00Weekly update 26 March<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>With full acknowledgments to the <a href="http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/">Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre</a>:</span></font><font size=2><span style='font-size:10.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </U1:PLACE></U1:CITY></U1:PLACE></U1:COUNTRY-REGION> <p class=stitcb><b><font size=2 color="#003333" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip<strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'> </span></font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>During the past week humanitarian aid continued flowing through the crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip, with an average of more than 100 trucks a day. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=stitcb><b><font size=2 color="#003333" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The Rafah crossing <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>On March 18 the Rafah crossing opened for the passage of Palestinians to and from the Gaza Strip and Egypt . Hamas was angry that Egypt had not coordinated the opening with it or sent an official announcement. According to Hamas, the Egyptians allowed Palestinians who organized their passage with the Palestinian Authority to use the crossing at the expense of “civilians who have to pass through.” However, on March 18 Hamas issued a statement to the effect that the crossing's opening would be coordinated with the Egyptians (Hamas interior ministry website, March 18, 2009 ).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>On March 21 the Rafah crossing closed. A senior Egyptian official said anonymously that it would be closed for an unlimited period of time and that only patients and Palestinians with humanitarian problems would use it. During the three days it was open about 800 Palestinians entered the Gaza Strip and 200 left for Egypt (Reuters, March 21, 2009 ). <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=stitcb><b><font size=2 color="#003333" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Covert Transfer of Money by Hamas into the Gaza Strip <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>On March 17 the Egyptian security forces at the Rafah crossing detained two Hamas activists found carrying <strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>$850,000 hidden in candy boxes </span></font></b></strong>. The two, Muhammad Jneida and Ahmed Hajaj, were returning from Egypt participating in the internal Palestinian dialogue. Eventually they were released and the money was impounded by the Egyptians. The delegation, which was on its way home to the Gaza Strip, also smuggled in a generator and night-vision equipment (AP, March 17, 2009 ).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><strong><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Note </span></font></b></strong><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>: On February 5, 2009 , the Hamas delegation on its way back to the Gaza Strip after talks in Cairo was also delayed and searched by the Egyptian security forces. In the possession of senior Hamas figure <strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>Ayman Taha $9 million and two million euros in cash were found </span></font></b></strong>. The money was deposited in a bank account in Egypt and Ayman Taha was released. After a number of weeks Egypt authorized the transfer of the funds to the Gaza Strip. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=stitcb><b><font size=2 color="#003333" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>Hamas to UNRWA: We Control the Gaza Strip <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>A visit paid by the secretary general of the Islamic Committee to the Gaza Strip was arranged with UNRWA and not with Hamas, and provoked Hamas's anger. Following the incident Mustafa al-Soaf, editor of <em><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>Felesteen </span></font></i></em>, the Hamas daily newspaper, wrote an article called “ <strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>The agency (UNRWA) – between assistance and politics </span></font></b></strong>.” Its main points were the following ( <em><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>Felesteen </span></font></i></em>, March 18, 2009 ): <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Apparently, according to the article, UNRWA has forgotten that its real mandate is to help the refugees and instead has begun to act as a government within a government. UNRWA has been encouraged to do so by the [international] quartet. The time has come for the Hamas government to show UNRWA what its limits are, and instruct the organization to focus on fulfilling its original function. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>UNRWA interprets the leeway given it by the Hamas government as weakness, or as a sign that the Hamas government is afraid of the UN. However, that is not the case, proof of which is that the government enables visitors to enter the Gaza Strip and is responsible for their safety, including the safety of UNRWA. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='margin-left:36.0pt;line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Hamas examined the complaints against UNRWA, according to which it and other aid organizations discriminate in the distribution of aid by giving preferential treatment to certain sectors. That means that UNRWA, on which people depend for humanitarian assistance, does not fulfill its role and infringes on the Gazans' rights. UNRWA does not own the aid which reaches the Gaza Strip but is only the liaison between the donors and the needy. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Since Operation Cast Lead there have been reports to the effect that Hamas channels civilian aid to its own people, or to groups affiliated with it, while depriving its opponents and preventing them from receiving assistance. The article in <em><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>Felesteen </span></font></i></em>is an attempt to divert fire toward UNRWA while making it clear that Hamas is in control of the Gaza Strip, and that UNRWA's job is limited to humanitarian aid, nothing more.<strong><b><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'> </span></font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=stitcb><b><font size=2 color="#003333" face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt'>The Tunnel Industry <o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p style='line-height:16.0pt'><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>The media reported that the Egyptian security forces continue their activities to prevent smuggling under the Egypt-Gaza Strip border. On March 20 a cache of weapons was discovered in the Rafah region, including half a ton of TNT, a number of rockets and automatic weapons (Ilaf website, March 20, 2009 ). On March 19 the security forces uncovered two tunnels in which were food, drugs, spare parts and electrical equipment, all meant to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip (Middle East News Agency, March 19 or 20 not 10). On March 20 and 21 four additional tunnels were uncovered ( <em><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family:Arial'>Al-Yawm Al-Sabaa </span></font></i></em>, March 21). On March 23 the <em><i><font face=Arial><span style='font-family: Arial'>Al-Yawm Al-Sabaa </span></font></i></em>website reported that Egypt had recently increased its forces in the tunnel region to cope with smuggling activity. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 10.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-24223779551017859192009-02-04T14:15:00.000+02:002009-02-04T14:13:35.598+02:00Aid totals since ceasefire (18.1.2009)<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Since the unilateral ceasefire was announced 63,617 tons of aid have been delivered to <st1:City w:st="on">Gaza</st1:City> and 4,823,300 litres of fuel for the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaza</st1:place></st1:City> power station and UNRWA. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-59851127227120853812009-02-04T14:00:00.000+02:002009-02-04T13:58:46.801+02:00Video displaying Israel's reconstruction of Gaza<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KjF9DCPd0Q">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KjF9DCPd0Q</a> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>A good video displaying Israeli work on infrastructure in <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaza</st1:place></st1:City>. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-34726610583329012182009-02-04T11:45:00.000+02:002009-02-04T11:43:41.230+02:00Israel field clinic closes<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>According to IRIN reports the Israeli field hospital erected at the Erez has now shut, having treated only 5 people. An Israeli medical source told IRIN that the clinic’s closure a result of various factors, “Hamas disapproval of what they consider to be propaganda, the fear of Palestinians and the distance they need to travel to the crossing.”<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-50015442555938191302009-01-28T17:43:00.000+02:002009-01-28T18:03:00.178+02:00Medical and Humanitarian exits maintained<DIV> <P class=MsoAutoSig><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><SPAN class=750053714-28012009><FONT size=2>Despite the escalation in security threats the opportunity for medical and humanitarian exits was maintained on the 27th January. Nevertheless, an internal Palestinian decision was made recently to not send any more medical exits for treatment in Israel. </FONT></SPAN></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV> <DIV class=Section1> <P class=MsoAutoSig><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 11pt; COLOR: blue; FONT-FAMILY: Arial"><o:p><FONT size=2> </FONT></o:p></SPAN></P></DIV> <DIV> </DIV>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-27832477499265500242009-01-23T14:03:00.000+02:002009-01-23T14:04:02.942+02:00Dual Nationals Evacuated<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>In the past week 232 dual national have been evacuated from <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaza</st1:place></st1:City> at the request of their respective governments.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Denmark</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>France</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 4<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Germany</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Canada</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Turkey</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 10<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Romania</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 12<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Austria</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 11<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Jordan</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Greece</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 9<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>United States</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 93<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Philippines</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 20<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Australia</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 4 <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Sri Lanka</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 1<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>Norway</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region><span lang=EN-GB> – 43<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>This activity is expected to continue over the coming week.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-54851592106644537822009-01-16T15:29:00.000+02:002009-01-16T15:27:33.602+02:00COGAT update 16 January<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Just as Katya Adler on the BBC reports that the borders have been ‘mostly closed’, COGAT releases details of the aid that’s entered Gaza over from the Israeli border crossings of Kerem Shalom, Karni and Nahal Oz over the past two days:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>3790 tons of aid on 174 trucks (104 on 14/1; 69 on 15/1)<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Of these:<br> 95 from private-sector donations<br> 39 from UNRWA<br> 22 from Jordan<br> 6 from the West Bank and Israeli Arab NGOs<br> 6 from ICRC<br> 1 from Mercy Corps<br> 1 from WHO<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>108,000 litres of diesel transferred directly to the power station<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>And Nahal Oz is full – </span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>no more fuel can be transferred into Gaza until it’s picked up by the NGOs responsible for its distribution across Gaza<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>That takes the total aid transferred via Israeli crossings since 28/12 to <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>29,112 tons of aid on 1,202 trucks<br> 1,436,350 litres of fuel<o:p></o:p></span></font></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>You can <a href="http://www.mod.gov.il/pages/general/Maavar_Kerem_Shalom.asp">watch the aid going in live here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-82585609568463683272009-01-15T14:02:00.000+02:002009-01-15T14:01:08.172+02:00New aid appeals announced this week<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>A number of international aid agencies have launched or renewed their calls for funding in the past few days:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>WHO’s Operational Plan calls for $<a href="http://www.who.int/hac/crises/international/wbgs/gaza_operational_plan_13January2009.pdf">13m for urgent medical needs</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.ochaopt.org/gazacrisis/">OCHA oPt’s</a> Consolidated Appeal has been uprated from $462m to <a href="http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_gaza_crisis_cap_funding_2009_english.pdf">$529m for emergency and ongoing support</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>PAMA, the Palestinian Monetary Authority, calls for <a href="http://ocha.unog.ch/fts/pageloader.aspx?page=emerg-emergencyDetails&appealID=834">$62.9m to pay civil salaries and supplier invoices</a><br> <br> <o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>OCHA, UNRWA, WHO and WFP note the following as the most urgent needs: protection for civilians and aid workers, access (sustained re-opening of borders), electricity/fuel, wheat grain for bread, and cash.<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>So far OCHA estimates <a href="http://ocha.unog.ch/fts/pageloader.aspx?page=emerg-emergencyDetails&appealID=834">they have $73m</a> of the $529m they now need – <a href="http://www.un.org/unrwa/">please donate to the UNRWA’s Flash Appeal</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-58005819370256392122009-01-15T13:54:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:51:50.875+02:00Lots of info from OCHA<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_gaza_humanitarian_situation_report_2009_01_08_english.pdf">OCHA’s field update</a> has the following information to tell us about the 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> January deliveries:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>12 Jan – <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Karni open</span></b> – 27 trucks (<a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/please-bear-with-us.html">part of 3129 tons</a>). Oops, ignore what we said earlier about it not being open since 27 Nov.<br> <br> <o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>13 Jan – <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Kerem Shalom open </span></b>- 94 trucks (<a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/please-bear-with-us.html">2310 tons of aid</a>) including 50 trucks for NGOs<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>13 Jan – <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Nahal Oz open - </span></b>200,000 litres of industrial fuel<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>13 Jan – <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Rafah open</span></b> – 21 medical cases treated in Egypt<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>13 Jan – <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Rafah open</span></b> – 10 trucks (c. 250 tons), 17 doctors, 7 ambulances into Gaza from Egypt<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>13 Jan – <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/israel-formally-opens-humanitarian.html">JHCC</a> agrees to upgrade aid deliveries to 150 trucks per day<br> <br> <o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>14 Jan – Nahal Oz, Karni closed, no data<b><span style='font-weight:bold'> </span></b>on Rafah,<b><span style='font-weight:bold'> Kerem Shalom open</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Plus, on <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>food distribution</span></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>One million fifty thousand (1,050,000) people continue to rely on UN food assistance, though insecurity is constraining people from accessing what food is available, both in shops and through food distribution points. <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>On 13 January UNRWA provided food parcels to 2,156 households and distributed flour to 2,276 people<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>WFP also distributed 61 metric tones of food to approximately 1,000 households in Gaza city through its partner, CHF International<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Due to limited fuel and water resources, WFP is prioritizing distributions of ready-to-eat consumables.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>And on <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>medical evacuations:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>As of 11 January, 70 patients were cleared for evacuation to Egypt through Rafah but remain in Gaza due to the slow flow of evacuations at the crossing</span></font></i></span><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> (but see above for a chink of light)<i><span style='font-style:italic'><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Outstanding urgent medical needs include medical equipment for intensive care units and orthopaedic material<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>And on the <b><span style='font-weight:bold'><a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/frustration-at-aid-workers-growing-on.html">water sanitation issue in Beit Lahiya</a></span></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>… As of 13 January, UNRWA was unable to deliver fuel for pumps to the Beit Lahia Wastewater Treatment Plant to alleviate pressure at the treatment plant <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>… On 13 January, CMWU received four truckloads of spare parts form the Palestinian Water Authority in the West Bank to assist with repairs<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></span></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-72500740673438345502009-01-15T13:40:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:38:30.124+02:00Egypt's First Lady calls for an emergency coordination committee<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/ocha_opt_gaza_humanitarian_situation_report_2009_01_08_english.pdf">OCHA reports</a> that Egyptian First Lady – who is also the president of the Egyptialn Red Crescent – has proposed that Egypt form an aid coordination committee (possibly like Israel’s JHCC).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>The Committee would have bases in Cairo and in Al Arish, with the objective helping to channel assistance to Gaza. It will include the Palestinian Red Crescent (PRCS), ERCS and UN agencies.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-68874951215199958592009-01-15T13:26:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:25:11.345+02:00Frustration at aid workers growing on Israeli side too<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>COGAT reports that despite what they see as their best efforts, some of their hard work in facilitating safe corridors is going to waste. For instance, they note that a group from the Joint Humanitarian Coordination Centre share this story:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>The JHCC visitors learned that often problems are caused due to lack of organization on the part of Palestinian contractors. For example, for three days the IDF suspended operations in order to enable an ICRC convoy to escort Palestinian technicians to repair the pump of the Beit Lahiya sewage facility. For the first two days the technicians didn't arrive and today when they did arrive they didn’t have the proper vehicles and implements to carry out the task. </span></font></i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-79358294622003733762009-01-15T13:23:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:22:06.618+02:00Free psychological counselling phone lines open for Gazans<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82377">IRIN reports that a large number of NGOs</a> and aid agencies are opening phone lines for Gazan residents to call for free psychological support.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.sawa.ps/english/index.php">Sawa</a>, a Ramallah-based Palestinian organisation, says their line is receiving 200-250 calls a day and their 14 staff are working around the clock.<br> Sawa’s number is +972 (0)2 58 222 11.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF</a>, <a href="http://shatil.org.il/">Shatil</a>, <a href="http://www.huji.ac.il/dovrut/SderotHotLine.doc">CLEC</a> and the WHO are also all operating phone lines for Gazans and southern Israelis.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-71616672314880189872009-01-15T13:15:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:13:14.785+02:00COGAT: 4 hour daily ceasefire from today<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>From today, apparently, the <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/heres-scoop-from-cogat.html">3 hour ceasefire</a> will become a 4 hour ceasefire so that more aid can get through.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>And in an <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/more-news-sanitation-power-sewage.html">update to last week’s in-depth report</a> on the electricity situation:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Electricity grid has now been repaired<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:18.0pt;text-indent:-18.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><font size=2 face=Symbol><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<font size=1 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></font></span></span></font><![endif]><span dir=LTR><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'>Power in Gaza is now at 74% (from 40% this time last week) – that means far fewer rolling blackouts. IDF credits ICRC and the Palestinian Energy Authority staff for helping them to coordinate the repairs<o:p></o:p></span></font></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Plus:<br> <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Karni conveyor is open today</span></b> – expected to bring grain, food and other basic supplies in.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>We think this is the first time Karni has opened for transfer of aid <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2008/11/cogat-update-27-november.html">since November 27</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-weight:bold'>Nahal Oz fuel silos are open today</span></font></b><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial'> – expected to fill up with <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-direct-fuel-pipeline-laid-in-gaza_07.html">fuel</a> for infrastructure and public services <o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>And <b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Kerem Shalom is open today</span></b> – expected to see another 100-plus trucks, <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/cogat-details-6-january-aid-deliveries.html">twice that being provided before the corridor opened</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>More details as we get them.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-18995497710114817222009-01-15T13:11:00.000+02:002009-01-15T13:09:19.597+02:00Chris Gunness appeals for sand<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Apparently the flames won’t go out at the UN using conventional fire extinguishers – so if anyone nearby has sand to douse the flames they would greatly appreciate assistance.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-4711999989168885432009-01-15T12:40:00.000+02:002009-01-15T12:38:20.211+02:00Now back to the aid<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Qatar has just announced a massive $250m for Gaza rebuilding.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani called on Thursday for Arab countries to create a fund for Gaza's reconstruction following 20 days of Israeli shelling that has left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Sheikh Hamad pledged his country would contribute 250 million dollars to the fund.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Qatar is the only Arab Gulf country to maintain commercial ties with Israel, while Egypt, Jordan and Mauritania are the only Arab countries that have diplomatic ties with the Jewish state.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Sheikh Hamad also suggested the creation of a "maritime bridge" to transfer humanitarian aid to the battered territory.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>"We have not called a summit to prepare Arab armies for a war against Israel," Sheikh Hamad said in his address. "We are not dreaming," he added.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-52417264605473824072009-01-15T12:37:00.000+02:002009-01-15T12:35:11.217+02:00UN suspends operations in Gaza<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>No surprises there.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-34540741254134117522009-01-15T12:36:00.000+02:002009-01-15T12:34:09.608+02:00UN Secretary General and Israeli defence man Ehud Barak<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>From BBC live feed and now <a href="http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/ML_ISRAEL_PALESTINIANS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-01-15-05-22-49">AP wire</a>: <br> Secretary General: ‘Strong protest and outrage’ in firing on HQ<br> Ehud Barak: ‘[Israel made] a grave mistake’<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>2 journalists in the building also wounded in the shelling.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-60395427661707606862009-01-15T12:33:00.000+02:002009-01-15T12:30:51.384+02:00Next steps: what happens after Gaza?<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><a href="http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1055553.html">Haaretz this morning runs an article</a> about what Israel is planning to do once the offensive finishes.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>They mention, amongst the expected and inevitable flood of information, that <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/pm-olmert-appoints-minister-herzog-to.html">Herzog</a> – the Israeli government’s newly-appointed shuttle diplomat – is already up and running in liaising with governments and NGOs to <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/israel-formally-opens-humanitarian.html">build bridges and forge alliances</a>:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has appointed Social Affairs Minister Isaac Herzog as government coordinator between Israeli and Palestinian aid agencies. <o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>Wednesday, Herzog convened the first meeting in his new capacity with representatives of the Foreign Ministry, other government ministries and the IDF. Today he will meet with the secretary general of the UN, Ban Ki-moon, and the head of the International Red Cross, to hear their requests on humanitarian issues.<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>Plus – a drop-in at the end – the Palestinian Health Authority has granted tentative approval for upping the number of <a href="http://aid2gaza.blogspot.com/2009/01/34-medical-cases-treated-in-israel-on.html">Gaza casualties being treated in Israel</a>. Hopefully we’ll see positive stats on this very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-47275307706078700222009-01-15T12:28:00.000+02:002009-01-15T12:26:00.340+02:00UN HQ in Gaza hit by fire<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>AFP and BBC are reporting that the UN HQ in Gaza has been hit 3 times and is on fire. Chris Gunness says a number of recently-received aid truckloads within the building have been lost. More soon.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-34066646347886962612009-01-14T14:06:00.000+02:002009-01-14T14:54:09.622+02:00PM Olmert appoints Minister Herzog to coordinate aid to Gaza<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:12.0pt'>In an effort to increase humanitarian efforts in Gaza PM Olmert nominated yesterday the Minister for Welfare and Social Services <a href="http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Personalities/From+A-Z/Isaac+Herzog.htm">Isaac Herzog</a> for the role of coordinating <st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>’s aid to <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Gaza</st1:place></st1:City>. Minister Herzog will liaise between government institutions and international organisations to manage the humanitarian issue.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> </div> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-1943123197989475482009-01-14T13:19:00.001+02:002009-01-14T14:58:55.121+02:00Please bear with us<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Frustratingly, we’ve been having some problems since the 9th January posting to the blog. We’ll update and fill in the missing details as soon as we can. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></span> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Rest assured that behind the headlines there is some good news including:</span></span></p><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.un.org/unrwa/news/releases/pr-2009/SaudiArabia_11jan09.html">$6.5m from Saudi Arabia </a>for UNRWA's flash appeal</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/html/palestine-news-130109">ICRC resumes crucial work in Gaza </a>following <a href="http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2009/Head_Israeli_Humanitarian_meets_international_organizations_11-Jan-2009.htm">discussions </a>with Israeli government</span></div></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">And from COGAT's updates:</span></p><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2,310 tons of aid transferred on 13/1/09</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">3,129 tons of aid transferred on 12/1/09</span></div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">3,339 tons of aid transferred on 10/1/09 and 11/1/09</span></div></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We'll update with full details as soon as we can. Comment if you need specific information!</span></p>Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-3055102365521710772009-01-12T12:40:00.002+02:002009-01-12T13:00:36.942+02:00Live feed from Kerem Shalom crossing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z1hdE4K7XBCcGF3YaBcqc1eRcyFH9KZQEfeNjXkver_PSDxyPs5ifNOppi3jRPsbjaRG6G8xVI-H6W16iqY8s6vCfjjEN24gMqkC4332n6aD67SEWR3BsgGHfiyCNsEVzEfSxwEgx9o/s1600-h/untitled2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290360044366221842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9z1hdE4K7XBCcGF3YaBcqc1eRcyFH9KZQEfeNjXkver_PSDxyPs5ifNOppi3jRPsbjaRG6G8xVI-H6W16iqY8s6vCfjjEN24gMqkC4332n6aD67SEWR3BsgGHfiyCNsEVzEfSxwEgx9o/s400/untitled2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><a href="http://www.mod.gov.il/pages/general/Maavar_Kerem_Shalom.asp">We’ll try to keep this on top somehow – watch the convoys of aid and all the goings-on at the Kerem Shalom crossing from your desktop.</a><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></span> <div class="Section1">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The left-hand camera is on the Gaza side; the right-hand camera is on the Israel side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p>Here's a capture of the Gaza camera at the moment (12:55 Gaza time): empty trucks ready to pick up aid.</o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">For useful reference, there’s also a useful <a href="http://www.ochaopt.org/gazacrisis/admin/output/files/ocha_opt_gaza_crisis_overview.pdf">map on the OCHA oPt website</a> which shows the location of all the crossings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div>Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-54968448891258953782009-01-09T13:21:00.002+02:002009-01-09T13:36:06.721+02:00UN Security Council resolution 1860<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>The UN is fully committed to aid to Gaza. Good:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>…<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>2. Calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance, including of food, fuel and medical treatment;<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>3. Welcomes the initiatives aimed at creating and opening humanitarian corridors and other mechanisms for the sustained delivery of humanitarian aid;<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>4. Calls on Member States to support international efforts to alleviate the humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza, including through urgently needed additional contributions to UNRWA and through the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><i><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Arial;font-style:italic'>…<o:p></o:p></span></font></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2342629761586358661.post-62889080238343979312009-01-09T13:21:00.001+02:002009-01-09T13:21:31.761+02:00BBC: ICRC only operating in Gaza City<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>“… because of a security situation yesterday…” said their spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 face=Arial><span style='font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Arial'>More as we get it.</span></font><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size: 12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p> </U1:PLACE></U1:COUNTRY-REGION></div> Embassyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898373467822655634noreply@blogger.com0