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Checkpoints and RoadblocksSpecial Focus : Shrinking Space : Urban Contraction and Rural Fragmentation of Bethlehem Governorate | May 2009
This report examines how Israeli measures, such as the Barrier, settlements and closures have impacted Palestinian livelihoods, development and residential expansion in the Bethlehem governorate. Only 13% of Bethlehem land is available for Palestinian use out of 660 sq. kilometres and much of it is fragmented. However, actions like freezing construction of the Barrier inside the West Bank, and opening closed military areas and nature reserves for Palestinian development, could restore parts of the lost space to the governorate.
Special Focus : The Planning Crisis in East Jerusalem | April 2009
This OCHA Special Focus addresses the phenomenon of "illegal" Palestinian construction in East Jerusalem resulting from the failure of the Israeli authorities to provide adequate planning for Palestinian neighbourhoods. This Special Focus provides a statistical overview of Israel?s demolition of unauthorized structures since 2000, provides background on some of the key difficulties facing Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem in their efforts to build, and identifies a number of at-risk communities. In addition, it provides an overview of various NGO and community initiatives that aim to challenge and eventually overcome obstacles in the current municipal planning process.
The Humanitarian Impact on Palestinians of Israeli Settlements and Other Infrastructure in the West Bank | July 2007
The report examines the humanitarian impact on Palestinians from the ongoing settlements in the West Bank and other Israeli infrastructure, such as the Barrier and the roads that accompany them. The analysis shows that more than 38% of the West Bank is now taken up by Israeli infrastructure. Roads linking settlements and other infrastructure to Israel ? in conjunction with an extensive system of checkpoints and roadblocks ? have fragmented the West Bank into a series of enclaves separating Palestinian communities from each other. The socio-economic impact has been profound.
Protection of Civilians Weekly Report | 27 Jan - 2 Feb 2010
This week, Israeli forces killed one Palestinian (Gaza) and injured 20 others throughout the oPt. In the West Bank, Israeli forces removed 24 movement obstacles in the south. Israeli settlers take over a house in the Old City of Jerusalem; there were other settler-related incidents. A new wave of demolition orders in the West Bank. In Gaza, access restrictions on fishing areas continue. Tunnels continue to claim lives; two Palestinians died. Internal attacks result in two injuries. Electricity crisis continues despite slight improvement. Limited shipments of exports and entry of glass continue. Phase one of the new Northern Sewage Treatment Plant completed. Cooking gas. Protection of Civilians Weekly Report
WHO Fact Sheet on the Impact of the Blockade on the Gaza Health System | Jan 2010
The blockade and Israel?s major military offensive last year have led to on-going deterioration in the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. 27 patients have died this year while awaiting permits from the Israeli authorities to exit Gaza for medical treatment. The lack of building materials allowed to enter Gaza is affecting essential health facilities: the new surgical wing in Gaza?s main Shifa hospital has remained unfinished since 2006 and hospitals and primary care facilities, damaged during the Israeli operation have not been rebuilt. Other Organizations Report
Statement by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA)
Highlighting the impact of the blockade on Gaza on the health of Gaza's population and on health services, the UN HC and AIDA call for an immediate opening of the crossings. "The closure of the Gaza Strip puts at risk the health of people in Gaza and undermines the functioning of the health care system." UN statements and Press Releases
The Humanitarian Monitor | Dec 2009
As the year of 2009 comes to a close, large segments of the Palestinian civilian population in the oPt, in particular those living in the Gaza Strip and in Area C of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, continue to endure a serious crisis of human dignity. The Israeli-imposed blockade continues to hinder reconstruction in Gaza. As of the end of the year, some 20,000 Gazans remain displaced. Some 60 percent of the West Bank, remains off-limits for Palestinian use and development, and many Palestinian families face the threat of displacement from eviction or demolition of their homes. While in 2009 the overall number of Palestinian injuries reached the lowest level since 2005, human rights groups have drawn attention to the recent rise in Israeli arrests of organizers of non-violent protests in the West Bank. The Humanitarian Monitor
Restricting Space: The Planning Regime Applied by Israel in Area C of the West Bank
This OCHA Special Focus covers the planning and zoning regime applied by the Israeli authorities in Area C of the West Bank. Under this regime, Palestinian construction is effectively prohibited in some 70 percent of Area C, while in the remaining 30 percent, a range of restrictions virtually eliminate the possibility of obtaining a building permit. In practice, the Israeli authorities generally allow Palestinian construction only within the boundaries of an Israeli-approved plan and these cover less than one percent of Area C, much of which is already built-up. As a result, Palestinians are left with no choice but to build "illegally" and risk demolition of their structures and displacement. The consequences of the current regime are wide-ranging and extend to the entire Palestinian population of the West Bank. Special Focus
Overview of the 2010 Consolidated Appeal for the occupied
The 2010 Consolidated Appeal (CAP) in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) requests a total ofUSD664,473,688 for 236 humanitarian and early recovery projects: 147 to be implemented by United Nations agencies, and 89 by international and local NGO?s. The residents of the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and Area C of the West Bank, including those living in areas near Israeli settlements and in Barrier-adjacent areas,have been identified as priority populations in need of humanitarian assistance and protection. Programs regarding Cash Assistance/Cash for Work, and Food, Security and Nutrition comprise approximately twothirds of this year?s funding requirements. Special Reports
Press Release: Over $664 million is needed for humanitarian assistance for palestinians
Over $664 million is needed for humanitarian assistance for palestinians. UN statements and Press Releases
West Bank Movement and Access Update | November 2009
Over the course of the past six months (May-October 2009), the Israeli authorities continued to implement measures that increased the freedom of movement of Palestinians between most Palestinian urban centres in the West Bank. However, during the same period, there has been no significant improvement when it comes to access to land and use of space by Palestinians. Barrier and Checkpoints
Israeli Settler Violence and the Evacuation of Outposts | Nov 2009
The "price tag" strategy is a new pattern of violence that emerged during 2008, in which groups of settlers would exact a "price" against Palestinians and their property in response to attempts by the Israeli authorities to dismantle "unauthorized" settlement outposts. This new pattern of violence raises significant additional concerns related to the protection of Palestinian civilians. The present factsheet is a first step towards delineating the contours of these concerns and suggesting a preventive approach, which includes the mapping of Palestinian communities vulnerable to settler violence. Special Reports
Press Release: Joint Statement on Winter Needs in Gaza
Gaza, 9, November 2009: The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Maxwell Gaylard and the non-governmental organization consortium, the Association for International Development Agencies, today called for the long-overdue and immediate opening of crossings into the Gaza Strip to enable Palestinian communities and families to prepare for the coming winter and rainy season. UN statements and Press Releases