HIGHLIGHTS

• The killing of six unarmed civilians by Israeli forces raises concerns about possible violations of the right to life, as well as regarding a lack of accountability.

• January recorded the largest number of demolitions in Area C of the West Bank in a single month in over two years, resulting in the displacement of 250 people.

• The situation of some already vulnerable communities was exacerbated as a result of a winter storm that struck the oPt between 7 and 10 January.

In the early days of this year, a snow storm followed by torrential rains and flooding wreaked extensive damage to whole areas and communities in the West Bank. The Jadallah family in the Tulkarem village of Anabta are one of many whose lives were swept away by what is said to be the worst natural disaster in the village during the last 50 years.

The humanitarian Consolidated Appeal (CAP) was launched in Ramallah today and seeks $401 million to fund relief efforts for vulnerable Palestinians in 2013.

The latest storm in Israel has obviously affected the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In the West Bank there have been reports of floods in all the districts, sediments in main roads, trees and poles collapsing and rivers overflowing. Through the Civil Administration, COGAT is assisting as best it can with evacuating the injured, transferring equipment and dealing with the damages from the storm.

Date: 09.01.13 Author: Cogat Website

Highlights

• A winter storm, characterized by torrential rains strong winds, low temperatures and snowfall the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) between 7 and 10 January.

• Some 12,500 people were negatively impacted by the loss of, or damage to, residences and agricultural livelihoods due to flooding and strong winds

• Some 200 homes were severely damaged or destroyed and 650 people were temporarily displaced.

10 Jan 2013 - Since 7 Jan 2013, heavy rain and snow have caused flooding in the north of the region. Some of the most affected areas are Tulkarem and Qalqilia, where two people were killed and 130 families were evacuated.

Link: Palestine, floods and heavy rains DREF operation n° MDRPS007

Key issues

• Three people were killed and at least 20 injured as a result of a heavy storm that hit the region. In the West Bank, thousands were temporarily displaced from their residences due to flooding.
• One child was killed and five other Palestinians injured by UXOs in the Gaza Strip.
• Arrest operations trigger violent clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in various West Bank areas, resulting in dozens of injuries.

(Al Bireh – 10/1/2013): The PRCS National Disaster Response Team together with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams have been responding to the humanitarian needs of various Palestinian communities affected by the bad weather conditions sweeping the country.

The PRCS National Disaster Response Team has distributed non food relief items to around 273 families containing 1628 members in various locations in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Items distributed include tents, mattresses, blankets, plastic sheeting, hygiene kits and kitchen kits.

Emergency humanitarian assistance for Palestinians whose houses and properties were destroyed by floods in the last few days was ordered by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and President of the Red Crescent Authority (RCA).

The initiative came upon directives by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is followed-up on by His Highness Gen. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.