Implementation of the Agreement on Movement and Access
The United Nations1 is submitting the 42nd bi-weekly report on the implementation of the 15 November 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA), covering the period 13 – 26 June 2007. 2
1. Overall Progress: Following heavy Palestinian factional fighting in the Gaza Strip, and the consolidation of Hamas forces there, the three main Gaza crossings were officially closed and remain closed: Karni Crossing on 10 June, Rafah Crossing 10 June, and Erez Crossing 13 June. A lack of Palestinian and Israeli coordination was the official reason reported by Israel for the closings. Israel allowed humanitarian supplies to enter Gaza through the Sufa for three days (normally the crossing usually only for aggregates) and the Kerem Shalom crossing (for five days) and in a few cases through the Erez Crossing.
2. Changes of note since Report No. 41 (12 June):
• Rafah crossing was closed during the reporting period, except on 18 June when it was “unofficially” opened for one and a half hours for 200 – 250 Palestinians to cross into Gaza. This opening was initiated by the Egyptian side without the presence of EUBAM. Otherwise, the closure left thousands of Palestinian travelers including medical patients, women, children and elderly stranded in Egypt. During the previous AMA reporting period Rafah crossing was opened on 5 days and 4,711 people crossed into the Gaza Strip and 7,147 people left.
• Karni crossing was closed during the reporting period. Karni was open in the previous period on 11 out of 12 scheduled operating days, enabling a total of 2,875 truckloads of imported goods (excluding aggregates/construction materials), or an average of 261 trucks for every day open, into the Gaza Strip.
• Sufa crossing was open on 3 out of 10 scheduled operating days to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and other commodities to meet basic needs.
• Kerem Shalom crossing was open five days from 19 June for the import of humanitarian aid supplies.
• Erez crossing continues to remain closed to Palestinian workers, traders and merchants. However, it remained partially open for the movement international aid workers and humanitarian (medical) cases throughout the reporting period. On 12 June, the crossing was closed for Israeli security concerns in relation to Palestinian armed factional clashes in Gaza.
• Obstacles to movement in the West Bank increased by 2 compared to the previous reporting (from 554 to 556). This represents an increase of 180 obstacles or 48% over the baseline figure of August 2005. The increase includes a new permanent checkpoint on the road to the Dead Sea.
3. No Change since Report No. 41 (12 June):
Convoys between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank:
Truck convoys no discussion; implementation now 15 months overdue.
Bus convoys no discussion; implementation now 16 months overdue.
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.
FULL REPORT:
