2012 – Overview

In 2012, 39 children were killed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza, 33 of which occurred during the Israeli offensive Operation Pillar of Defence, which started on 14 November 2012. During this offensive more than 400 children were injured, two were killed by Palestinian rockets falling short of their intended targets, and one child was killed whilst participating in hostilities.

HIGHLIGHTS

● Israel began allowing limited amounts of gravel for commercial use into Gaza, while Egypt authorized the entry of construction materials for a range of Qatar-funded projects.

● Fewer olive trees vandalized by Israeli settlers in 2012 compared to 2011, however access and protection challenges during the olive harvest season remained.

● Multiple Area C projects were approved by the Israeli authorities since 2011, most of which benefit communities in Areas A and B.

November 2012 – Overview

This month saw a 9 percent increase in the number of children prosecuted in the Israeli military courts and imprisoned. This represents a 32 percent increase in the number of children held in military detention since December 2011. This month saw no change in the number of young children (12-15 years) being detained, which remained at 21 children.

Human Rights Council
Twenty-second session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development

Addendum

Mission to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Summary

RAMALLAH, occupied Palestinian territory, 31 December 2012 – The Government of Japan is contributing USD $1,5 million as part of UNICEF’s emergency response to the needs of children and women in Gaza, following the 8-day escalation of violence last month.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Humanitarian actors in the MENA region seek to foster greater collaboration, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and recognizing the value in diverse humanitarian approaches.

• The number of Syrian refugees in Egypt has increased significantly since June 2012. The UN and humanitarian partners are seeking to address their main protection concerns.

General
- Overall, 1,117 truckloads (33,381 tons) were entered to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
- The Kerem Shalom crossing and the Erez terminal fully operated this past week.
- 39 truckloads of goods were exported this past week from the Gaza Strip.

December 31, 2012.

Following five and a half years in which the entrance of construction materials to the Gaza Strip has been heavily restricted, in the past few days, both Israel and Egypt have facilitated transfers of materials via Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, respectively, perhaps pointing to a change in policy. Yesterday, Israel allowed 20 truckloads of gravel destined for the private sector to enter Gaza; this coming one day after Egypt allowed construction materials to enter Gaza via Rafah Crossing.