**Field Update on Gaza from the Humanitarian Coordinator (17-18 January 2009)** **Ceasefire and Conflict Impact:** - Israeli Prime Minister Olmert announced a unilateral ceasefire in Gaza on 18 January, effective at 0200 local time. - Hamas initially declared continued hostilities until Israel withdrew its forces and ended restrictions on goods and entry. - The ceasefire follows 22 days of heavy bombardment, resulting in 1,300 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction. - UNDP warns of long-term implications for recovery and development, with tens of thousands of civilians' livelihoods and assets undermined. **Protection of Civilians:** - Israeli forces remain in northern, eastern, and Rafah border areas, while some ground forces withdraw from Gaza City and Rafah. - Palestinian militants continued to fire into Israel, leading to Israeli casualties. - Several civilian casualties were reported, including a mother and five children in Bureij Refugee Camp. - UNRWA demands an independent investigation into an incident where white phosphorus shells struck a school, killing two children and injuring 14 others. **UN Facilities:** - Over 50 UN facilities have been damaged since December 27. - No bomb shelters or alarm systems exist in Gaza. - UNRWA operates 50 emergency shelters for 50,896 displaced people, but they are overcrowded and in need of non-food items. **Shelter:** - Shelters are overcrowded, and there is a shortage of blankets and mattresses. - Construction materials are needed to repair damaged homes. **Health:** - Hospitals and ICUs are under severe strain due to the influx of wounded. - The Al-Quds Palestinian Red Crescent Society Hospital is no longer functional after being shelled. - ICRC coordinated the delivery of fuel to hospitals and clinics. - Water and sanitation services are impacted, with some areas still lacking running water. **Food:** - Access to food is difficult due to security and currency restrictions. - Prices of food items have increased significantly. - WFP distributed food to 800 families and UNRWA distributed food parcels to 874 families. **Electricity:** - Most Gazans receive intermittent electricity, with varying hours of supply. - The Gaza Power Plant is partially functioning but needs more fuel. - Two feeder lines remain damaged in northern Gaza. **Cash/Liquidity:** - Currency transfer restrictions between Palestinian banks in the West Bank and Gaza continue, affecting salaries and operations. - Cash is urgently needed to support humanitarian assistance and pay salaries. **Crossings:** - Kerem Shalom, Karni, and Rafah crossings were open on 18 January. - Aid trucks and medical supplies entered Gaza through these crossings. **Priority Needs:** - Protect civilians and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law. - Facilitate access for ambulances and rescue teams**Field Update on Gaza from the Humanitarian Coordinator (17-18 January 2009)** **Ceasefire and Conflict Impact:** - Israeli Prime Minister Olmert announced a unilateral ceasefire in Gaza on 18 January, effective at 0200 local time. - Hamas initially declared continued hostilities until Israel withdrew its forces and ended restrictions on goods and entry. - The ceasefire follows 22 days of heavy bombardment, resulting in 1,300 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction. - UNDP warns of long-term implications for recovery and development, with tens of thousands of civilians' livelihoods and assets undermined. **Protection of Civilians:** - Israeli forces remain in northern, eastern, and Rafah border areas, while some ground forces withdraw from Gaza City and Rafah. - Palestinian militants continued to fire into Israel, leading to Israeli casualties. - Several civilian casualties were reported, including a mother and five children in Bureij Refugee Camp. - UNRWA demands an independent investigation into an incident where white phosphorus shells struck a school, killing two children and injuring 14 others. **UN Facilities:** - Over 50 UN facilities have been damaged since December 27. - No bomb shelters or alarm systems exist in Gaza. - UNRWA operates 50 emergency shelters for 50,896 displaced people, but they are overcrowded and in need of non-food items. **Shelter:** - Shelters are overcrowded, and there is a shortage of blankets and mattresses. - Construction materials are needed to repair damaged homes. **Health:** - Hospitals and ICUs are under severe strain due to the influx of wounded. - The Al-Quds Palestinian Red Crescent Society Hospital is no longer functional after being shelled. - ICRC coordinated the delivery of fuel to hospitals and clinics. - Water and sanitation services are impacted, with some areas still lacking running water. **Food:** - Access to food is difficult due to security and currency restrictions. - Prices of food items have increased significantly. - WFP distributed food to 800 families and UNRWA distributed food parcels to 874 families. **Electricity:** - Most Gazans receive intermittent electricity, with varying hours of supply. - The Gaza Power Plant is partially functioning but needs more fuel. - Two feeder lines remain damaged in northern Gaza. **Cash/Liquidity:** - Currency transfer restrictions between Palestinian banks in the West Bank and Gaza continue, affecting salaries and operations. - Cash is urgently needed to support humanitarian assistance and pay salaries. **Crossings:** - Kerem Shalom, Karni, and Rafah crossings were open on 18 January. - Aid trucks and medical supplies entered Gaza through these crossings. **Priority Needs:** - Protect civilians and ensure respect for International Humanitarian Law. - Facilitate access for ambulances and rescue teams