OPT: Report No 27 - Implementation of the agreement on movement and access, 15-28 Nov 2006

The United Nations is submitting the 27th bi-weekly report on the implementation of the 15 November Agreement on Movement and Access (AMA), covering the period 15 - 28 November 2006 inclusive.

1. Overall Progress:

The number of travellers passing through Rafah crossing has fallen for the third consecutive period. An average of 33½ truckloads of goods were exported through Karni crossing each day, up from 27 in the previous period (a 24% increase) and the highest since February. This now constitutes 22% of the target set to be reached by the end of 2005 and 8% of the target to be reached by the end of 2006.

2. Changes of note since Report No 26 (14 November):

- Rafah crossing was open on 2 days allowing a total of 1,323 people to cross into the Gaza Strip and 1,291 people out. Rafah was open for 9% of scheduled hours compared to 21% during the previous period.

- Karni crossing was open on 10 out of 12 scheduled operating days enabling a total of 2,282 truckloads of goods into and 402 truckloads of goods out of the Gaza Strip. Karni was open for 37% of scheduled hours compared to 47% during the previous period.

- Kerem Shalom crossing was open on 3 days for the transport of humanitarian goods compared to 5 days during the previous period.

- Erez crossing remains closed to all Palestinians except traders holding special permits and emergency humanitarian cases. According to the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, 290 permits have been issued since 1st October.

3. No Change since Report No 26 (14 November):

- Sufa crossing was open on 9 of the 12 scheduled working days for the transport of aggregates.

- Obstacles to movement in the West Bank: remains at 540. This represents an increase of 164 or 44% over the baseline figure of August 2005.

- There were no reported security incidents during the period.

Convoys between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank:

Truck convoys no discussion; implementation now 11½ months overdue.

Bus convoys no discussion; implementation now 10½ months overdue.

Ports:

Seaport awaiting, since November 2005, GoI assurance to donors that it will not interfere with its operation.

Airport awaiting, since November 2005, commencement of discussions.