Implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access
The United Nations1 is submitting the 33rd bi-weekly report on the implementation of the 15 November 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA), covering the period 7-20 February 2007 inclusive.2
The operation of Karni crossing continues to fall below the AMA target. During the reporting period the number of exported trucks increased by 31% compared to the previous period but is only meeting 16% of the 400 truckloads per day agreement. Rafah crossing continues to operate sporadically and Erez crossing remains closed for Palestinian workers for over 11 months.
2. Changes of note since Report No 32 (6 February):
• Rafah crossing was open on only 5 days allowing a total of 2,788 people to cross into the Gaza Strip and 5,815 people out. Rafah was open for 20% of scheduled hours compared to 4% during the previous period.
• Karni crossing was open on 12 scheduled operating days enabling a total of 3,059 truckloads of goods into and 762 truckloads of goods out of the Gaza Strip. In addition 1,738 truckloads of aggregates were imported representing approximately 36% of the total imports through Karni.3 Karni was open for 52% of scheduled hours compared to 46% during the previous period.
• Sufa crossing was open on 11 out of 12 scheduled working days for the import of aggregates.
• Kerem Shalom crossing was open on 3 days during the reporting period compared to 1 day during the last period.
• Erez crossing remains closed to all Palestinians except traders holding special permits and emergency humanitarian cases. An average of 264 traders crossed into Erez each day, down from 280 last period.
• Obstacles to movement in the West Bank increased to 550. This represents an increase of 174 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 13½ 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.
1 The Office of the Quartet’s Special Envoy closed on 28 April. Since then the United Nations through the oPt OCHA office has assumed reporting responsibilities on the implementation of the AMA.
2 The report draws on all available data sources for reporting including the EU-BAM, UN agencies, PA ministries, PalTrade, COGAT and the World Bank.
3 Aggregates are construction materials that are primarily moved through Sufa crossing.
