OPT: Protection of civilians weekly report 28 Jan - 03 Feb 2009

"The destruction I saw was devastating

• both in human and material terms. The magnitude of loss of life and injury to the civilian population is bound to have a lasting impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of the Palestinians in Gaza. All aspects of life and livelihood have been affected." Under-Secretary- General John Holmes, 2 February 2009, Gaza Flash Appeal Launch

Latest Developments: 4 - 5 February 2009

- The Rafah crossing spokesperson reports that the crossing will be closed for Palestinians from today, 5 February, onward. According to the spokesperson, only internationals who have crossed into Gaza during the previous weeks will be allowed to exit the Gaza Strip via the crossing. Palestinian medical cases will be allowed to cross in and out on an ad hoc basis, as was the case prior to 27 December. Movement of cargo through Rafah will no longer be permitted, apart from exceptional cases. (Rafah Crossing opened on 31 December 2008 and has remained opened for movement of persons and cargo on all days since then. This opening was based on an exceptional arrangement to assist in evacuating war wounded and facilitating the entry of medical supplies, medical personnel and media). Egyptian authorities have yet to confirm the closure. (5 February)

- Media reports indicate that Israeli naval forces took command of a Lebanese ship, reportedly carrying humanitarian supplies, that was bound for Gaza. (5 February) - Israeli security forces killed a Palestinian militant during an operation in the West Bank village of Qabatiya (Jenin). (5 February)

- Israeli security forces demolished three residential structures in 'Esawiya in East Jerusalem. Two of the structures were inhabited, while the third was under construction. Owners of a fourth house slated for demolition the same day managed to get a court order postponing the demolition. Initial estimates place the number of people displaced by these demolitions at 20. This brings the number of persons displaced in East Jerusalem in 2009 to 73 (including at least 26 children). (4 February)

Gaza cease-fire partially holding

A number of incidents by Palestinian militants and Israeli forces undermined the cease-fire in the Gaza Strip during the week. Palestinian militants fired at least eleven rockets and two mortar shells from Gaza towards southern Israel, while seven mortar shells were fired targeting Israeli troops operating in Gaza. Also, Israeli media reports indicated that four mortar shells that were fired from Gaza on 1 February injured two Israelis and that one Grad rocket landed in a residential neighborhood of Ashqelon city centre, resulting in property damage.

Israeli air force jets and drone plans carried out over 10 air strikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of a reportedly alleged Palestinian militant and the injury of 15 Palestinians, including nine children (seven UNRWA school students and two other girls). Targets of these strikes included tunnels along the Egypt- Gaza border; an alleged militant on a motorcycle in Khan Younis; a building near a rocket launching site, east of Rafah; a cluster of caravans utilised by the police northeast of Nuseirat camp; a vehicle with alleged militants travelling east of Rafah; and a Hamas military base in the Abasan area east of Khan Younis.

The air strikes targeting the tunnels on the Egypt-Gaza border caused people living nearby to flee their homes in fear. Prior to the strike, residents had been warned by the Israeli military via recorded phones messages of the imminent shelling of these areas.