UNRWA Warns of Deteriorating
Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza
Khan Younis, 9 March 2006:

Director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza, John Ging, has warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, due to the shortage of basic food commodities, especially flour, as a result of the closure of Karni crossing by the Israeli Authorities.

At a press conference held on 9th March at UNRWA’s Relief and Social Services Distribution Center in Khan Younis camp, south Gaza, Mr. Ging underlined the economic situation caused by a shortage of basic commodities.

Mr. Ging said, "Yesterday I visited the Palestinian Flourmill Company, a major flour producer in Qarara, northern Khan Younis, and found it empty due to the lack of wheat imported through Karni, the sole commercial crossing from Gaza to the outside world."

He stated that Israel should open crossings as closures would cause more suffering for Gazans.

Responding to a question on the impact of the political situation in oPt on the operations of UNRWA, Mr. Ging stated that the Agency would not be affected. Indeed, the aim of this visit, he said, was to closely assess and then actively follow-up on the humanitarian needs of the Palestine refugees and to urge the international community to join UNRWA in continuing to provide assistance for Palestinians.

"We will work together for a better future to ensure a decent life for all," he said.

Mr. Ging met with Dr. Osama Al-Farra, Governor of Khan Younis, who, with the heads of the municipalities, briefed him on the needs of the governorate. Dr. Al Farra commended the UNRWA’s support of Palestine refugees, who are still suffering from the Israeli occupation which has destroyed thousands of houses and made their inhabitants homeless prior to the withdrawal from Gaza.

On visiting the new sites of the rehousing project and Khan Younis training center, which are located in areas evacuated by the Israeli army in Khan Younis, Mr. Ging said that a fully equipped vocational training center would soon be established on an area of 60 dunums provided by the Palestinian Authority. The 18-classroom project will serve more than 1700 students living in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Mr. Ging added that 1126 housing units will be constructed on an area of 250 dunums, close to the vocational center, at a cost of US$ 25 million. Priority will be given to refugees whose houses were destroyed by the Israeli forces and will be distributed amongst needy refugee families.

During his visit to the houses of Special Hardship Case families in the camp, Mr. Ging spoke to them about the difficulties they face and the need to construct a new shelter. He promised that UNRWA would do everything possible to improve the refugees’ living conditions.