Hunger's global hotspots 4 Jul 2007
Introduction
Rome, 4 July 2007 – 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
Access for goods to Gaza remains limited by the capacity of existing crossings points and security concerns. Nevertheless, WFP managed to move 1,424 metric tons (mt) food into Gaza over six days from 19 June (when the humanitarian corridor was opened) to 1 July. WFP intends to send 10 trucks per day for the coming week.
The past week saw an expansion of the number of available crossings (Karem Shalom, Sufa and the partial working of Karni – conveyer belt for grain only) increasing the commercial flow of the most essential food, agricultural and medical supplies to Gaza.
The combined capacity of all three available crossings at their current functioning provides the potential for the basic food and agricultural needs requirements of 120 trucks per day; however, up to now this capacity has not met its full potential due to security problems which affect all crossings.
The UN country team is working to increase the flow of goods to Gaza as soon as possible and it is hoped that the 120 truck objective will be met this week.
A key concern for WFP for the coming weeks is the economic situation in Gaza. While commercial flow remains minimal and exports are nonexistent, the economy of Gaza will stagnate.
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Document Sources: World Food Programme (WFP)
Subject: Access and movement, Food, Gaza Strip
Publication Date: 04/07/2007