Hunger’s global hotspots/OPT – WFP press release (excerpts)

Hunger's global hotspots 14 Jul 2007

Introduction 

Ten countries where violence persists and populations live in fear. People in Hunger's Global Hotspots don't know what tomorrow will bring and they often have to rely on WFP for their next meal

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Occupied Palestinian territories 

From 9-12 July, WFP was able to deliver 1135 mt to Gaza through the Sufa crossing.

The Karem Shalom and Karni (grain conveyer belt only) were also open. Karni ( the main terminal with Israel) and Rafah (the passenger terminal between Gaza and Egypt) remain closed. WFP plans to deliver 3,000 mt of food to Gaza from Egypt through Karem Shalom this week, however food access to Gaza remain precarious.

In the past week there has been repeated mortar fire at Karem Shalom from various militant groups which threaten this important lifeline.

Toll on economy 

The closure of Karni for commercial (non food) imports and exports is having a heavy toll on the Gazan economy and is heavily affecting factories, businesses, the agricultural sector and daily labourers leading to a weakening of Gaza's economic potential and is leading to a decline in the average wage and widespread unemployment.

For example, the Gaza Ministry of Agriculture has reported that 50,000 mt of produce is awaiting export, raising concerns that farmers will not re-plant fields if markets cannot be found.

Security in Gaza has improved. However, Municipal services are not fully working; as a result garbage litters the streets of Gaza posing a serious health risk.

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