Humanitarian Coordinator Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Support for Victims of Gaza Violence – Daily Press Briefing by SecGen Spokesman (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY FARHAN HAQ,
DEPUTY SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES
THURSDAY, 17 MAY 2018

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• The Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Jamie McGoldrick, today called for urgent support to meet the humanitarian needs of the victims of violence in Gaza, saying that the situation in Gaza is devastating and the crisis is far from over.
• The humanitarian response in Gaza focuses on providing immediate life-saving healthcare, mental health support and protection monitoring, but is undermined by severe shortages of medicines and supplies, difficulties in accessing medical care outside Gaza, and a serious funding gap.
• Despite the damage inflicted on the Kerem Shalom Crossing, that crossing point has been partially reopened, with 15 truckloads of medical supplies entering Gaza on Sunday and Tuesday. Two truckloads carrying 76,000 litres of fuel for health facilities and water and sanitation treatment sites were also brought into Gaza by the United Nations yesterday, with arrangements in progress for another 76,000 litres.
• Health partners indicate that $1.2 million is needed immediately for drugs and disposables, and a further $3.9 million is needed to cover medical supply needs and emergency medical technicians. An additional $19.5 million is required to cover medium-term healthcare needs until August.

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