Occupied Palestinian Territory – Hunger’s global hotspots – WFP report (excerpts)

Hunger's global hotspots 15 June 2007

Introduction

In regions wracked by violence or submerged by floods, the first emergency is how to deliver enough food as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are some of the crises counted among WFP's "global hotspots".

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Occupied Palestinian territories

West Bank: Clashes erupted in the West Bank this week following Hamas's rise to power in Gaza. During the violence, WFP/MSA warehouse in Nablus (Northern West Bank) was looted by armed militants and food were stolen amounting to an estimated overall value of US$16,000.

The President's office has committed to protect WFP/MSA warehouses and help WFP to return to stolen food.

Gaza Strip: The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is of serious concern to WFP. Internal fighting within the Gaza Strip has now ended however sporadic violence and looting remains a serious problem.

The Palestinian population in Gaza face economic isolation and a serious humanitarian crisis is on the brink.

The destruction caused in last week's fighting, the casualties sustained and the disruption of government services pose widespread humanitarian needs for medical aid, food and non food assistance.

Since 11 June, Karni crossing, Gaza's economic lifeline, has been closed. Discussions are underway at the central UN level with all parties concerned to find a solution before the situation escalates further.

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