International organizations address humanitarian needs of Palestinians in 2013 – OCHA press release

HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATIONS COMMIT TO ADDRESSING THE HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
OF PALESTINIANS IN 2013 IN COOPERATION WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY

Jerusalem – A national level event for the Consolidated Appeal for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) was held today in Ramallah, led by the Palestinian Authority's Minister of State for Planning Affairs, H.E. Mr. Mohammad Abu Ramadan, and the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the oPt, Mr. James Rawley.

Attendees included representatives from donors, the United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations (NG0s), and other officials of the Palestinian Authority.

"This event was important to re-affirm the strategic priorities guiding the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) 2012-2013 as tackling food insecurity and ensuring a more protective environment for the most vulnerable communities." stated Mr. Rawley.

Last year, the humanitarian community articulated a two-year strategy aimed at addressing the humanitarian needs generated by the ongoing violations of basic human rights in the oPt. 1.8 million Palestinians are in need of humanitarian assistance, including 1.26 million Palestinians who are food insecure.

H.E. Mr. Abu Ramadan underlined this, saying, "The humanitarian priorities of the CAP remain the same as last year in light of the lack of a political solution for the oPt and the restrictions facing Palestinians to develop their communities in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in the Gaza Strip."

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to be impacted by the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on imports, exports and the movement of people, by land, air and sea. In 2012 more than 80 per cent of Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip are relying on humanitarian aid. In Area C of the West Bank, demolitions of Palestinian homes and property and settler violence have continued in 2012, severely undermining the security and well-being of Palestinian communities. Over the coming months, the humanitarian community led by the Humanitarian Coordinator will work together to finalize an assistance plan for 2013 that aims to address humanitarian needs in those areas where the PA has no or limited control including the Gaza Strip, Area C, the seam zone, and East Jerusalem. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable, ensuring consultation with communities and key stakeholders. The 2013 Consolidated Appeal for the oPt is expected to be launched at the end of this year.

The oPt 2012-2013 CAP document including details of all appealing projects can be downloaded at: www.ochaopt.org

For more information please contact:

Mr. Matthew Ryder, Office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) +972-(0) 543-311-840, ryder@un.org

Ms. Sara Jabari, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) +972-(0) 543-310-552, jabari@un.org