CONTENTS
1. MAIN ISSUES
2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION
3. UPDATE ON COGAT
4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA
1. MAIN ISSUES
Israeli Authorities continue to restrict access for humanitarian cargo to Gaza. As a result, the Logistics Cluster is unable to transport approximately 200 MT of humanitarian relief items, which is currently stored in UNRWA and WFP Qalandia warehouses. The delayed UN and NGO shipments consist of household kits, recreation kits, wheelchairs, blankets, toothbrushes, baby toys, baby napkins, veterinary drugs and shelter items.
An additional three truck-loads of window glass and wooden beams for Mercy Corps International shelter reconstruction programmes have been refused entry to Gaza by COGAT since 16 April 2009.
2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION
Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster: Since 25 January the Logistics Cluster has delivered 5996 pallets of cargo to the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on behalf of 28 cluster members:
Cargo moved into Gaza by the Logistics
Cluster Transport Service 25 Jan - 23 April |
Sector | Number of pallets |
| SHELTER | 2870 |
| FOOD | 2022 |
| EDUCATION | 491 |
| HEALTH | 366 |
| WASH | 245 |
| NUTRITION | 1 |
| SUPPORT EQUIPMENT | 1 |
| TOTAL | 5996 |
A Logistics Cluster meeting was held on 21 April – minutes are posted at
http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/news/logistics-cluster-meeting-minutes-21st-april-2009
The next Logistics Cluster meeting will be held on Tuesday 05 May 12:00h OCHA Jerusalem – link with WFP Gaza
3. UPDATE ON COGAT
According to COGAT reports on Merchandise Traffic and Humanitarian Aid, up to 90 per cent of cargo permitted to cross through Kerem Shalom during April was comprised of shipments of food and hygiene items. Kerem Shalom is the main crossing used for transfer of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The type of cargo permitted to cross is therefore not in accordance with the urgent needs of the civilian population for rehabilitation of homes, infrastructure and livelihoods.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that Kerem Shalom crossing is designated for 'food, hygiene products, tools and raw materials for essential infrastructures, medicines and medical equipment, and a myriad of other items – ranging from school books to wheelchairs, needed by the civilian population'
[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Communiques/2009/Increased_humanitarian_aid_Gaza_after_IDF_operation_Jan_2009.htm]
The Logistics Cluster continues to request clearance of the following items currently listed in the document 'Clearance Status of Humanitarian Cargo':
- PARC wheelchairs – Delayed since 02 April
- Mercy Corps International construction material – Delayed since 01April
- UNICEF children's toys and musical instruments – Delayed since 03 March
- FAO veterinary supplies – Delayed since 19 February
- UK MAP medical equipment – Delayed since 30 January
- ACF and UNICEF WASH items for rehabilitation of water infrastructure – Delayed since January 2009
Further details on the clearance status of these items is available at the following link: http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/supply-chain/clearance-status-of-humanitarian-cargo
4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA STRIP FOCUS ON ACCESS FOR RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION ITEMS
The decision by Israeli Authorities to prohibit the transportation of reconstruction items to Gaza has severe implications for the implementation of the humanitarian and reconstruction programmes in the Gaza Strip and will significantly impact the disbursement of donor funding for the recovery phase.
Security Council Resolution 1860 [S/RES/1860/2009] "emphasizes the need to ensure the sustained and regular flow of goods and people through Gaza crossings" and "Calls for the unimpeded provision and distribution throughout Gaza of humanitarian assistance including food, fuel and medical treatment".
This signifies that humanitarian assistance goes beyond food and medical provisions and should not be subject to restriction.
