Summary: CHF 213,320 has been initially allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Egyptian Red Crescent in providing assistance to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 800 beneficiaries (100 families) following the escalated conflict in Gaza strip, which started on the 14th of November 2012. Un-earmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

The Egyptian Red Crescent society (ERC), since the beginning of the latest armed conflict in Gaza Strip Mid November 2012 began monitoring the situation and increasing the preparedness level to be able to respond to the possible humanitarian needs at the Egyptian side of the border. This lead to the reception and transportation of in kind donations to Gaza through Cairo, to the prepositioning of a relief stock for 100 families at Al Arish/North Sinai National Society branch at Gaza border and to the logistics capacities strengthening of Al Arish branch.

The objective of this DREF update is to highlight the operational changes which lead to a DREF budget revision: (From CHF 213,320 to CHF 196,493). This revision comes after a reevaluation of the operational needs following the interruption of the armed conflict in Gaza Strip, as well as the reassessment of the actual cost of the relief goods. This operation is expected to be completed by 21 January 2013. A final report will be made available by 21 April 2013 (three months after the end of the operation).

The major donors and partners of DREF include Norwegian Red Cross and Government, DG ECHO, the Canadian Red Cross and government, Danish Red Cross and government, the Netherlands Red Cross and government, the Norwegian Red Cross and government, the Belgian Red Cross and government, the Spanish Red Cross and Government, the Swedish Red Cross and government, the British Red Cross, and the Australian, American and Luxembourg governments, the Austrian Red Cross, the Irish and the Italian governments, the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Monaco Red Cross and government, the Medtronic, Coca Cola and Z Zurich Foundations, and other corporate and private donors. The Netherlands RC has replenished the DREF with 24 per cent of the allocation made to this operation.

The IFRC, on behalf of the national society, would like to extend thanks to all for their generous contributions.

Details of all donors can be found at http://www.ifrc.org/docs/appeals/Active/MAA00010_2012.pdf