Summary
Content
HIGHLIGHT
- The Logistics Cluster is undergoing a review of the original concept of operations. The intention is to concentrate resources on provision of services in technical guidance; advocacy for delivery of priority humanitarian cargo to Gaza; coordination with COGAT and information management.
Current priorities to improve the delivery of humanitarian relief to Gaza are as follows
- securing customs clearance for all cargo designated as a priority by the Humanitarian Community, in order to meet the needs of conflict-affected populations in Gaza.
- Advocate for an increase in transparency and accountability in decision-making for clearance of so-called ‘dual-purpose’ items.
- Encourage a review of border crossing procedures for cargo with the aim of expediting delivery and increasing the amount of cargo to enter Gaza on a daily basis.
- Advocate for an increase in timing for pick-up of cargo at Kerem Shalom Gaza side to minimize damage to cargo. Continue to request the opening of Karni crossing for break-bulk and containerized cargo.
- Gaining permission for the use of containers for the purpose of transportation of humanitarian items to Gaza and for permission for the exit/return of empty containers.
BORDER CROSSING
- Sufa: Remained closed
- Rafah: Closed since 06 February
- Kerem Shalom: Closed 14 February (Shabbat); Open 13, 15, 16, 17 February
- Karni: Closed 13, 14 February; Open 15,16,17 February (commercial goods) – conveyor belt only
- El Aouga (Egypt): Closed 13, 14 February; Open 15, 17 February for humanitarian cargo
- Since the Logistics Cluster began transportation on 25 January 2009, this cargo has been dispatched through Kerem Shalom.
LOGISTICS COORDINATION
- Jerusalem Logistics Cluster meeting 16 February: The Logistics Cluster Concept of Operations was reviewed with members and a discussion held on the future of joint transportation services. A final decision will be taken at the next meeting on 23 February.
- NGOs reported on the new Association for Rural Development/Civic Engagement Programme common system for transportation of cargo for USAID grantees. It is not yet clear how this will be coordinated with existing mechanisms either for border crossing or for interaction with COGAT.
CIVIL/MILITARY COORDINATION
- The Logistics Cluster continues to request COGAT to grant clearance for the following cargo which has been refused entry to Gaza: 30 metric tons of chick peas; 43 pallets of macaroni; 137 pallets of wheat flour; 131 recreational kits; 68 pallets of stationary items for students; 150 school-in-a-box kits; 33 boxes of medicine; 22 freezer appliances; 3 generators and 4 water pumps.
- Since 05 February the Logistics Cluster has requested COGAT to grant clearance for temporary import of nine cargo trucks to Israel from Lebanon. The trucks were urgently needed to assist with the bottleneck in transportation of humanitarian items from the West Bank to the UNRWA warehouse in Jerusalem. Failure to gain permission from the Israeli authorities has resulted in delays in the arrival of the trucks and a subsequent review of the importation plan.
- COGAT confirmed the reinstatement of the procedure for NGO transport of medical items into Gaza – these items will only be cleared if the distribution is coordinated through the WHO/Palestinian Authorities Ministry of Health mechanism.
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