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OPT: Logistics Cluster Gaza crisis consolidated situation report, 02 - 15 May 2009

CONTENTS

1. MAIN ISSUES

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION

3. UPDATE ON COGAT

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA

1. MAIN ISSUES

In an inter-agency meeting with COGAT on 14 May 2009, Israeli Authorities reiterated to the humanitarian community the prohibition on delivery of construction material to Gaza. However according to a COGAT report for 10 May, nine trucks containing cement, pipes and generators were transported through Kerem Shalom crossing by commercial companies. The WASH cluster reports that 30 trucks containing WASH material for CMWU have entered Gaza in the past two weeks.

COGAT confirmed that they have not received any instruction to change the policy regarding food deliveries to Gaza, despite the 22 March Cabinet decision.

Israeli Authorities continue to uphold restrictions on a range of humanitarian cargo with the result that the Logistics Cluster is unable to transport approximately 200 MT of humanitarian relief items to Gaza. The delayed shipments consist of baby toys, dry foodstuffs, wheelchairs, blankets, toothbrushes, baby napkins, bedding kits and floor mats.

An additional two 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: Due to a lack of clearance from COGAT no cargo has been delivered to Gaza by the Logistics Cluster since 15 April 2009.

3. UPDATE ON COGAT

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':

- Save the Children baby toys, toothbrushes, floor mats, shelter kits and other household items - Delayed since 08 April 2009

- PARC wheelchairs and dry foodstuffs - Delayed since 02 April 2009

- Mercy Corps International construction material - Delayed since 01 April 2009

- UK MAP medical equipment - Delayed since 30 January 2009

Further details on the clearance status of these items are 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 restrict the transportation of construction 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 in 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.