Gaza Emergency Preliminary Needs and Requirements - Updated: 18 July 2014

On 7 July 2014, a humanitarian emergency was declared in the Gaza Strip, following a severe escalation in hostilities involving intense Israeli aerial and navy bombardment and Palestinian rocket firing. The humanitarian impact of these hostilities comes against a backdrop of heightened vulnerability and instability in Gaza. Unemployment increased dramatically since mid-2013, following a halt of the illegal tunnel trade, exacerbating the impact of the longstanding access restrictions imposed by Israel which had prevented any meaningful economic activity. Additionally, former de facto government employees, including the security forces, have not been paid salaries regularly since August 2013 and an ongoing energy crisis, involving power outages of 12 hours per day, has critically affected the WASH and health sectors.

The current hostilities have so far resulted in 268 fatalities, 1,780 injuries and the destruction of 1,780 homes. As of 18 July, some 48,000 people have been displaced so far, including some 22,900 people who are residing in temporary shelters. 25 schools (24 UNRWA schools and one public school) are being used as shelters by IDPs Those displaced are in need of emergency food and other assistance, while at least 57,900 children already require direct and specialized psychosocial support on the basis of families who have experienced a death, injury or loss of home over the past week. In addition, unexploded hazards from parties represent a significant risk for civilians and for humanitarian operations.

To date, 84 schools, 6 health facilities as well as essential WASH infrastructure have been damaged. Gaza water service providers have estimated that only 50 to 60 per cent of the normally pumped water is being supplied to the population, due to unrepaired damage to infrastructure, inability to conduct routine field operations and electricity shortages. Only half of the sewage pumping and waste water treatment systems are operating. In health, a massive shortage in drugs and disposables (28% and 54% respectively) at Gaza Hospitals has hindered the ability of the Ministry of Health to deliver health services.

Service providers and humanitarian workers are severely constrained in their responses, and risk their lives, due to the prevailing security situation.