Gaza humanitarian assistance – IASC Logistics Cluster – Situation report (11 Sept-8 Oct 2009)

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CONTENTS

1. MAIN ISSUES

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION AND DELIVERIES

3. UPDATE ON COORDINATION WITH COGAT

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA

1. MAIN ISSUES

• As per the table below (information provided by UNRWA), the total number of trucks entering Gaza per month has been on a downward trajectory since March 2009. The number of working days has also shown a downward trend. Furthermore the percentage of private sector goods entering Gaza has been rising since July. September which coincides with the Israeli holidays have had a redu ction in working days but also a reduction in truckloads per working day. If the working days are to be fewer due to holidays the number of truckloads should be compensated in other days through increased working hours at the crossing.

• Logistics Cluster participants are reviewing options to expand the capacity of Karem Shalom however at the time-being beyond its existing capacity however at the time-being the crossing it is not reaching its existing full capacity (150 trucks/day). In order to meet the basic needs of the population there needs to be an increase in permissions granted for Gaza. In particular the Logistics Cluster calls for an urgent restoration of free and unhindered access of relief items to Gaza in compliance with IHL and existing agreements.

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION AND DELIVERIES:

Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster: Since 25 January the Logistics Cluster has delivered 6814 pallets of cargo (approx. 6900 MT) of humanitarian cargo to the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom crossing, on

behalf of 33 cluster participants.

• Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster Meetings: A meeting was held on 01 October, minutes are posted at http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/coordination/meeting-minutes/logistics-cluster-meeting-minutes-1st-october-2009

• Further details on the clearance status of humanitarian cargo are documented at the following link: http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/supply-chain/clearance-status-of-humanitarian-cargo

• There is no waiting time for WFP food basket items to enter Gaza. Coordination for transport is achieved 24 hours in advance;

3. UPDATE ON COORDINATION WITH COGAT T

• Requests for coordination of goods to Gaza are also dwindling (partly due to the difficulties faced also due to donor reluctance to fund projects with no guarantee of access), however, there was one new request this week from Handicap International to coordinate for 42 pallets of NFI for winterization in Gaza.

• Coordination for LC coordinated goods to enter Gaza remains slow and arduous with many

items denied from entering Gaza:

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA STRIP

The humanitarian community continues to request the following in order to improve access of humanitarian cargo for conflict-affected populations in the Gaza Strip:

• The 22 March 2009 Cabinet decision on lifting of restrictions on food items is enacted into legislation and UconsistentlyU implemented;

• Lifting of the prohibition on delivery of materials essential to the implementation of humanitarian programmes (early recovery, shelter, agriculture);

• Rafah crossing is open daily for humanitarian cargo in addition to transfer of medical goods and personnel;

• Lighting is installed at the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom crossing;

• Construction and use of an additional staging area /loading bay at the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing;

• Containers are permitted for use at Karni and Kerem Shalom crossings;

• A system for double-stacking of pallets is implemented at crossings

Logistics Cluster, 8 October 2009