Summary
Content
HIGHLIGHTS
1. MAIN ISSUES
- All USAID-funded food packages recently refused clearance for the Gaza Strip have now been delivered. There has been no official acknowledgement of the implementation of the 22 March Cabinet instruction for the entry of all foodstuffs to Gaza without restriction. COGAT has stated that requests for coordination of shipments on an individual basis are still necessary.
- A shipment World Vision washing powder which was first turned back from Kerem Shalom crossing on 03 March. On 01 April COGAT cleared the washing detergent but it was again refused entry on 07 April when IDF responsible for the crossing requested an ‘environmental certificate’. The issue was resolved after intervention of authorities in Tel Aviv and the washing powder shipment crossed to Gaza on the same day. This issue highlights the difficulties facing the humanitarian community in coordinating delivery of humanitarian relief with several different government entities.
2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION
Since 25 January the Logistics Cluster has delivered 5645 pallets of cargo to Gaza, through Kerem Shalom, on behalf of 28 cluster members.
Jerusalem-Gaza Logistics Cluster: A Logistics Cluster meeting was held on 30 March – minutes here
3. INTERACTION WITH COGAT
- The Logistics Cluster attended meetings with COGAT on 01, 06 and 07 April. In response to Logistics Cluster request for the expansion of Karni crossing, COGAT stated that the second conveyor belt at Karni crossing will not be opened as there is no need to increase capacity for cargo capacity. The Logistics Cluster requested clearance of the following items currently listed on the document ‘Clearance Status of Humanitarian Cargo’; COGAT gave the following responses:
- UNICEF children’s toys (musical instruments): COGAT has stated that this shipment is not approved but a decision may be given after the holidays.
- UK MAP medical equipment: Following a statement from COGAT on 18 March that a decision on this shipment would be issued shortly, COGAT stated on 07 April that a decision will be taken on these items during the week. Nebulizer equipment will not be permitted to be included in the shipment.
- FAO veterinary supplies: All information regarding this cargo has been presented to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who have confirmed that they have now referred the issue back to COGAT.
- FAO fruit and olive trees: COGAT has stated that more information on the planned location of the trees is necessary before approval can be given.
- World Vision washing powder in hygiene kits: COGAT stated that there is no need for an ‘environmental certificate’ although IDF at Kerem Shalom crossing disagreed. The shipment was delivered to Gaza on 07 April.
Further details on the clearance status of these items and WASH equipment (below) is available here
Please note that this document is updated on a daily basis. If your organisation wishes to provide information on cargo which has been refused clearance for entry to Gaza, or cargo under review for clearance, please send details to gaza.logs@logcluster.org
4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DELIVERY OF HUMAITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA STRIP: FOCUS ON WATER AND SANITATION REPAIR
- The WASH cluster reports that at the end of March 2008 35,000 people in the Gaza Strip still do not have access to piped water. Tests conducted by the public health authorities in Gaza have recorded the presence of microbiological pollutants in the water supply with a coincident increase in water-borne diseases since the conflict. UNRWA reports that acute watery diarrhoea incidence among children under three years has exceeded the alarm threshold in March.
- Damaged wastewater treatment systems continue to expose several areas to contaminated water. The main constraint to repair of damaged infrastructure continues to be the lack of access for necessary repair materials. The most urgent priorities are pipes, fittings, pump equipment and electrical equipment.ACF is working together with the Logistics Cluster to transport vital supplies and equipment to implement their programmes. Necessary spare parts and materials used for the repair and regular maintenance of the water and sewage networks of the Gaza Strip are still awaiting clearance from Israeli Authorities.
Find more details in the attached document