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17-07-2006 ICRC News ICRC Bulletin No. 03/06 – Gaza Latest report on ICRC activities in the field General situation Last Thursday (13 July) was particularly heavy in terms of casualties, as the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the death of 26 people within 24 hours. During the reporting period, air, land and sea shelling continued in various areas of the Gaza Strip, causing many casualties, including civilians. On 13 July, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declared the central part of the Gaza Strip a closed military zone and imposed a curfew on its 1 200 residents till the next day. On 16 July, the IDF heavily shelled Beit Hanun. The exact number of casualties is unknown, but at least three houses were destroyed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza City was shelled early on the morning of 13 July. Ten people were injured and the building suffered extensive damage. The building was subsequently bombed, late on 16 July. On 15 July, an air strike hit the building of the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, causing severe damage. During the reporting period, rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel. No casualties were reported. On 15 July, Palestinian militants managed to break through the wall at the Rafah crossing. Palestinians stranded there for over two weeks poured into the Gaza Strip. The crossing was sealed off again on 16 July. The scarcity of fuel continues to be a major problem, and is having both direct and indirect effects on public services. Sewage stations are barely functioning and the risk of cross-contamination is increasing. Certain wells have broken down. The lack fuel made it impossible to collect refuse, which was piling up in the streets of Gaza city until the municipal authority received a donation of fuel. The ICRC has:
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Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Subject: Assistance, Closures/Curfews/Blockades, Incidents, Situation in the OPT including Jerusalem
Publication Date: 17/07/2006