Assistance to the Palestinian people – Emergency report on OPT – WFP report (excerpts)

WFP Emergency Report No. 41 of 2004

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2) Occupied Palestinian Territories 

(a) WFP and 11 other UN agencies working in Gaza stated that the ongoing violence on top of the sharply deteriorating humanitarian situation this year is pushing the Palestinian population into a deep crisis. They voiced their serious concern about the ability of the population to cope.

(b) Since 28 September, 82 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza including 24 children; 5 Israelis have been killed including 2 children. During 2004, approximately 45 Palestinians have been killed each month in Gaza and poverty rates are predicted to rise to 72 percent. At the same time, Israel Defense Force movement restrictions have prevented effective delivery of humanitarian aid.

(c) In their statement, The UN agencies call on Israel to guarantee humanitarian agencies unrestricted and secure access into Gaza for both personnel and relief supplies; ensure the free movement of humanitarian goods and personnel within the Gaza Strip; and to respect its obligations under international humanitarian law by ensuring the safety of the Palestinian civilian population.

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