July 12, 2007

The Gaza Strip has undergone dramatic developments over the last few weeks during intensive factional fighting between Hamas and Fatah, leaving at least 116 dead. In its wake, the crisis has left Gaza's population in an uncertain situation and facing a precarious humanitarian situation, according to United Nations and European Commission officials.

Also voicing concern over the situation is Gaza-based Constantine Dabbagh, director of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC)'s Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR), who has said that the political repercussions of the fighting might result in the Gaza Strip being completely shut off to the outside world, thus worsening and further fueling the zone's humanitarian problems.

There is also continuing concern about the ongoing humanitarian situation in the West Bank, which continues to be affected by an on-going economic blockade, the construction of the Israeli-built "separation barrier" and continuing impediments and restrictions of population movement.

A World Bank Technical Team Report issued on May 9 said the West Bank was experiencing severe restrictions on movement and access, high levels of unpredictability and a struggling economy. The report concludes that sustainable economic recovery will remain elusive if large areas of the West Bank remain inaccessible for economic purposes and restricted movement remains the norm for the vast majority of Palestinians.

Response

CWS is responding to the situation by supporting efforts by the MECC/DSPR, through the Near East Council of Churches Committee for Refugee Work in Gaza and the Near East Council of Churches - International Christian Committee in the West Bank. Specifically, CWS is highlighting one aspect of the response to provide cash grants, supplementary food support and health services to the most vulnerable families in the Gaza strip and West Bank areas.

In Gaza, CWS-supported efforts will focus on the governorates of Rafah, Khan Younis, Middle Area, Gaza and Northern Gaza. DSPR remains sensitive to the needs of families in the most impoverished localities particularly in Gaza City and the southern Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank -- as was the focus of previous appeals supported by CWS -- the most affected areas are in Jenin, Nablus districts and North West Villages of Ramallah. This, however, will not exclude other areas in case of needs and developments.

The goal of the response is to provide emergency assistance that will enable families to withstand the negative effects of the increased emergency situation through provision of essential services such as food, health, education and special needs.

Specifically:

Food:

Gaza: To provide 6,000 families with $50 to cover the purchase of basic food necessities and commodities.

West Bank: To provide food packages to 3,500 families.

Health:

Gaza: To serve increased number of patients through additional short term contracts with five new medical personnel. This is expected to address monthly the average of 1,200 children and 1,100 women and men namely in Shija'ia and Darraj/Tuffah districts in Gaza and Kherbet El Adas in Rafah.

Also, to provide partial coverage of medical fees and medicines in three family health clinics run by DSPR-NECCCRW Gaza. Approximately 2,300 patients a month, both women and children, will benefit from the part coverage of medical fees and medicines.

West Bank: To provide 500 chronically ill persons with medical needs with access to medical facilities or other access to health care. Distribution of medicines will include medicines for those suffering from chronic illnesses that are not available at public health clinics.

Targeted Beneficiaries

Relief food support and cash will be offered to 9,500 families (6,000 in Gaza Strip and 3,500 in the West Bank, with each family having an average of six persons).

The health care centers receiving auxiliary staff support in the Gaza Strip typically receive the following number of patients, on average, per month: 2,700 children, 1,000 pregnant women, 500 adults, 600 receiving dental services and 250 home visits.

Partial coverage of fees and medicines is expected to address the monthly needs of an average of 1,200 children and 1,100 women and men namely in Shija'ia and Darraj/Tuffah districts in Gaza and Kherbet El Adas in Rafah.

In the West Bank medical supplies and other medical assistance will reach 500 chronically ill individuals in the West Bank.

Contributions to support this emergency appeal may be sent to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN, 46515. Please designate Occupied Palestinian Territories / Gaza And West Bank Crisis, #6822

Media Contact: Lesley Crosson, CWS/New York, 212-870-2676; lcrosson@churchworldservice.org