Gaza humanitarian assistance – IASC Logistics Cluster – Situation report (7 Aug-10 Sept 2009)

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CONTENTS

1. MAIN ISSUES

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION AND DELIVERIES

3. UPDATE ON COGAT

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA

1. MAIN ISSUES

• As per the table below (information provided by UNRWA), the number of trucks entering Gaza per month has been on a downward trajectory since March 2009. The number of working days has also shown a downward trend. Furthermore the percentage of private sector goods entering Gaza has been rising since July.

• Logistics Cluster participants are reviewing options to expand the capacity of Karem Shalom however at the time-being beyond its existing capacity however at the time-being the crossing it is not reaching its existing full capacity (150 trucks/day). In order to meet the basic needs of the population there needs to be an increase in permissions granted for Gaza. In particular the Logistics Cluster calls for an urgent restoration of free and unhindered access of relief items to Gaza in compliance with IHL and existing agreements.

• New procedures are being finalised between the PA MoH and the Israeli MoH concerning private sector medical shipments. The Logistics cluster is assessing the impact of these new procedures on the existing ones used by humanitarian actors. It appears that all medical shipments destined for Gaza must be first cleared by the Palestinian MOH, then the Israeli MOH, before being coordinated to go to Gaza.

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION AND DELIVERIES:

Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster: Since 25 January the Logistics Cluster has delivered 6812 pallets of cargo (approx. 6900 MT) of humanitarian cargo to the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom crossing, on behalf of 33 cluster participants.

• Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster Meetings: A meeting was held on 03 September, minutes are posted at http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/coordination/meeting-minutes/logistics-cluster-meetingminutes-3rd-september-2009/

• Further details on the clearance status of humanitarian cargo are documented at the following link: http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/supply-chain/clearance-status-of-humanitariancargo

• WFP sent 1518Mt of food into Gaza between 7th August 2009 and 9th September 2009. There is no waiting time for WFP food basket items to enter Gaza. Coordination for transport is achieved 24 hours in advance;

3. UPDATE ON COORDINATION WITH COGAT

• The logistics cluster is awaiting clearance for items which have been waiting for upto 140 days.  Of particular concern are urgent medications which have been awaiting clearance for 59 days so far.

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA STRIP

The humanitarian community continues to request the following in order to improve access of humanitarian cargo for conflict-affected populations in the Gaza Strip:

• The 22 March 2009 Cabinet decision on lifting of restrictions on food items is enacted into legislation and consistently implemented;

• Lifting of the prohibition on delivery of materials essential to the implementation of humanitarian programmes (early recovery, shelter, agriculture);

• Rafah crossing is open daily for humanitarian cargo in addition to transfer of medical goods and personnel;

• Lighting is installed at the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom crossing;

• Construction and use of an additional staging area /loading bay at the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing;

• Containers are permitted for use at Karni and Kerem Shalom crossings;

• A system for double-stacking of pallets is implemented at crossings.