Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA) – Thirty-fourth bi-weekly implementation report (OCHA)

14 March 2007

Report No 34

Implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access

(21 Feb – 6 March 2007)

The United Nations1 is submitting the 34th bi-weekly report on the implementation of the 15 November 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA), covering the period 21 Feb – 6 March 2007 inclusive.2

1. Overall Progress:

The international crossing point at Rafah continues to not operate as required under the AMA, open just 21% of scheduled days and 11% of scheduled working hours. The functioning of Karni crossing also continues to fall below the AMA target; this period shows that it is meeting 11% of the 400 truckloads per day AMA target. The number of exported truckloads (537) decreased by 30% compared to the previous reporting period. The number of senior traders crossing Erez continues to increase although the crossing has been closed for almost one year for Palestinian workers.

2. Changes of note since Report No 33 (20 February):

· Rafah crossing was open on only 3 days allowing a total of 2,422 people to cross into the Gaza Strip and 1,555 people to travel out. Rafah was open for 11% of scheduled hours compared to 20% during the previous period because some days were short in length.

· Karni crossing was open on 11 scheduled operating days enabling a total of 2,812 truckloads of goods into the Gaza Strip. A total of 537 truckloads of goods were exported from the Gaza Strip (a 30% decrease compare the previous period) of the Gaza Strip. Karni was open for 47% of scheduled hours compared to 52% during the previous period.

· Sufa crossing was open all 10 scheduled working days for the import of aggregates.3

· Kerem Shalom crossing was open on 3 days.

· Erez crossing remains closed to all Palestinians except traders holding special permits and emergency humanitarian cases. An average of 345 traders crossed Erez each day, up from the daily average of 264 in the last period.

· Obstacles to movement in the West Bank remained at similar levels compared to the previous reporting period at 549. Overall this represents an increase of 173 or 46% over the baseline figure of August 2005.

3. No Change since Report No 32 (6 February):

 There were no reported security incidents in the areas of the crossings during the period. Convoys between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank:

Truck convoys no discussion; implementation now 13 ½ months overdue. Bus convoys no discussion; implementation now 14½ months overdue. Ports:

Seaport awaiting, since November 2005, GoI assurance to donors that it will not interfere with its operation.

Airport awaiting, since November 2005, commencement of discussions.

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