OCHA release updates on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Monday January 05, 2009 14:37 by Ghassan Bannoura - IMEMC News

OCHA, The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, issued a humanitarian update Sunday on the Gaza crisis since the Israeli military ground operation began. The report focuses on casualties, as well as food, health, water, sanitation and highest priority needs.

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The Report shows that all of Gaza City hospitals have been without main line electricity for the past 48 hours, leaving Gazans dependant on back-up generators.

The hospitals warn that the generators are close to running out of fuel. OCHA reported that the military incursion compounded the humanitarian crisis, following more than a week of shelling and an 18 month-long blockade of the territory.

There is an increased threat to civilians due to combat in densely populated urban areas. Hospitals continue to be overstretched because of the large number of casualties that have accumulated since the beginning of Israeli attacks, and ambulances and medical personnel face difficulties in accessing casualties.

Electricity and telecommunications are down over much of the Strip. Food distributions have been suspended and all crossing points remain closed.

Regarding fuel and electricity, OCHA says that there is nearly a complete blackout in the governorates of Gaza, North Gaza, Middle Area, and Khan Yunis. Most of the telephone network (both land lines and cell phones) in Gaza are also not functioning since Gaza is completely dependant on back-up generators with dwindling fuel stocks. For the full report please go to:

gaza strip | human rights | news report ghassanb at imemc dot org