OPT: Protection of civilians – OCHA Weekly report (12-18 Dec. 2007)

Of note this week

Gaza Strip:

• The IDF killed 16 Palestinians and injured 22 others, of whom 15 were killed and 17 injured in IAF air strikes on the North Gaza, Gaza and Rafah governorates.

• 12 December: A 20 Mega Watt generator was brought into Gaza from Egypt through Kerem Shalom crossing. The generator is to be used at the Gaza power plant with the purpose of providing 15-20% of the electricity required in the Strip. Thirteen Egyptian engineers were allowed entry into Gaza to install the generator.

• On 16 and 17 December, and following prior coordination with the PA in Ramallah, Israel allowed 703 Palestinian pilgrims to leave Gaza via Erez and then proceed to Allenby Bridge en route to Jordan and then Mecca.

• 38 Qassam rockets and 54 mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. On two separate occasions, two Israeli children were injured by Qassam rockets.

West Bank:

• The IDF injured 14 Palestinians in the West Bank, including 12 during demonstrations in the Ramallah governorate.

• 13 December: PA teachers and Education directorates held a one-day strike in Bethlehem and Hebron governorates demanding that the PA solve their salary problems.

• The IDF entered one TV station and two press offices in Nablus governorate and one media centre in Hebron governorate and confiscated computers and files.

• 13 December: The IDF confiscated the garbage truck belonging to Qatanna and Al Qubeiba villages after the driver was caught using the solid waste dump site located in area “C” without possessing an Israeli permit. As a result, garbage has been piling up in the two villages (Jerusalem).

• 15 December: The PA banned all celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the founding of Hamas.

• 40 flying checkpoints, 15 IDF search operations and 67 arrests were reported.

Full report: