Gaza humanitarian assistance – IASC Logistics Cluster – Situation report (16-28 May 2009)

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CONTENTS

1. MAIN ISSUES

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION

3. UPDATE ON COGAT

4. PRIORITIES FOR IMPROVING DELIVERY OF HUMANITARIAN RELIEF TO GAZA

1. MAIN ISSUES

• The Logistics Cluster has finally received clearance for 436 pallets (aprox. 400 MT) of humanitarian aid consisting of baby toys, toothbrushes, shelter kits and other household items. The shipment has been delayed for delivery by COGAT since the beginning of April but will be delivered to Gaza in the next days.

• However, a consignment of floor mats has not been cleared for delivery by COGAT and has had to be removed from the shipment.

• Israeli Authorities have maintained the restriction on delivery of construction material to the Gaza Strip. A shipment of shelter reconstruction materials essential for the implementation of shelter projects has been rejected for delivery. The prohibition of this type of cargo limits the implementation of the humanitarian reconstruction programme in the Gaza Strip and significantly impacts the disbursement of donor funding for the recovery phase.

2. LOGISTICS COORDINATION

• Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster: Since 25 January the Logistics Cluster has delivered 6238 pallets of cargo (aprox. 6000 MT) of humanitarian cargo to the Gaza Strip through Kerem Shalom crossing, on behalf of 28 cluster participants.

• Jerusalem–Gaza Logistics Cluster Meetings: A meeting was held on 19 May, minutes are posted at http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/coordination/meeting-minutes/090519/view

• On 19 May USAID–TFP gave a presentation on the Gaza Side of the Kerem Shalom crossing. A summary of the presentation is posted at: http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/news/tfp-usaid-kerem-shalom-presentation-19-may-2009

3. UPDATE ON COGAT

The Logistics Cluster continues to request clearance of the following items currently listed as ‘under review’ in the document ‘Clearance Status of Humanitarian Cargo’

 Floor mats – Delayed since 08 April 2009

 Recreation kits (paper, crayons, balloons, footballs, skipping ropes, hula-hoops) – Delayed since 08 April 2009

 Wheelchairs – Delayed since 02 April 2009

 Dry foodstuffs – Delayed since 02 April 2009

 Wooden beams, window glass and cement for shelter reconstruction – Delayed since 01 April 2009

 Medical equipment – Delayed since 30 January 2009

 Radio antennas – Delayed since 23 April 2009

• Further details on the clearance status of these items are documented at the following link:

http://www.logcluster.org/gaza09a/supply-chain/clearance-status-of-humanitarian-cargo

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

• Written procedures clearance of humanitarian/ reconstruction items are issued by COGAT

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

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

• 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