Worsening Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

November 19, 2008

Israel launched a new offensive in Gaza on November 4.  As well as invading with ground forces and launching air strikes, Israel has shut down border crossings and is blocking the entry of food, medical supplies and fuel.   

The latest offensive worsens the existing humanitarian crisis created by years of Israeli occupation and a strangulating 18-month siege with continual closure of  border crossings only broken briefly by partial openings.  Palestinians in Gaza haven't been able to stockpile goods or fuel because of the lasting siege which means that even short closures have a drastic and immediate impact on the population.   

At least 80% of the population is already dependent on the food and other humanitarian aid that Israeli authorities are now depriving them of.  The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced that it is nearly out of food meant to supply half of Gaza's population and the agency is also warning that it will soon be forced to suspend cash assistance to 98,000 Gazans.   

The main power plant in Gaza has been shut down since November 11 because of  lack of fuel.  There is total darkness in many areas and severe power cuts in 75% of Gaza.  The resulting disruption in sanitation, water, and other basic services leads to the spread of disease and death.  Without power, hospitals and medical centers cannot function.  Several bakeries have already shut down and more will close soon. 

With the latest offensive, Israeli authorities blocked access to Gaza by foreign journalists.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak admitted that "it is true the violence erupted after the Israeli army raid to destroy the tunnel that aimed to intimidate and kidnap Israeli soldiers."  Yet he rejected an appeal by the UN Secretary-General to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza strip and declared that, "crossings can only be opened after the return of calm to the Strip."

While the U.S.-Israeli siege of Gaza tightens and the catastrophic results multiply, U.S. officials have promised Israel $2.55 billion in military assistance for fiscal 2009, an increase of $22 million over military assistance for fiscal 2008.