occupied Palestinian territory

Fears of escalating bloodshed are rising ahead of planned protests in Gaza later today after Israeli authorities announced a “zero tolerance” policy towards demonstrations along the Israel/Gaza fence, said Amnesty International.

The organization is calling on the Israeli government to rein in its armed forces, which have routinely used unnecessary or excessive force during Gaza’s weekly “Great March of Return” demonstrations.

Highlights

• GoT and GoRF agree to establish demilitarized zone surrounding Idlib
  
• SARG and GoRF airstrikes in Hamah, Idlib, and Latakia displace 45,500 people in September
  
• Approximately 90,000 people remain at IDP sites across northeastern Syria
  
• An estimated 6.5 million people across Syria remain food insecure

Key Developments

Israeli forces have re-imposed a set of harsher restrictions on the movement of people and goods as well as on the fishing zone in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, as the situation escalated on Wednesday, 17 October 2018, Israeli aircraft fired 17 missiles, in 11 airstrikes, onto security sites, empty plots of land, as well as into populated areas in the Gaza Strip. One Palestinian was killed as a result of the airstrikes and three others were injured, one of them seriously. The attacks spread panic among the population, especially among children, who were at school during the airstrikes.

The Jan - August dashboard summarizes the progress made by partners involved in the Lebanon Crisis Response and highlights trends affecting people in need.
The Basic Assistance Sector in Lebanon is working to: OUTCOME 1) Strengthen the ability of vulnerable HHs, including female-headed, to meet their basic survival needs; OUTCOME 2) Ensure that In-kind assistance in support of populations affected by seasonal hazards and emergencies is provided; OUTCOME 3) Develop National Social Safety Net Strategy

BACKGROUND

Longstanding restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from Gaza have undermined the living conditions of about two million Palestinians in that area. Many of the restrictions, originally imposed by Israel in the early 1990s, were intensified after June 2007, following the Hamas takeover of Gaza and the imposition of a blockade. These restrictions continue to reduce access to livelihoods, essential services and housing, disrupt family life, and undermine people’s hopes for a secure and prosperous future.

The Gaza Strip faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, impacting the livelihoods and access to essential services by its two million residents. This crisis has been driven by over 11 years of an Israeli blockade and an unsolved internal Palestinian divide, exacerbated since March 2018 by the massive increase in Palestinian casualties in the context of demonstrations taking place near Israel’s perimeter fence, as well as limited escalations in hostilities.

OVERVIEW

AMOUNT: EUR 260 000 000

As delivered

Madame President,

Members of the Security Council,

Every month I brief this Council on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian Question.

Every month we speak of how continued settlement construction and the demolition of Palestinian structures in the occupied West Bank undermine the very foundations of the prospect of a sovereign Palestinian state. We condemn terror, violence and incitement that eat away at the trust between Israelis and Palestinians. We call for unity and reconciliation.

Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy

Global counter-terrorism measures have had adverse implications for financial access for local NGOs in the West Bank and, particularly, Gaza. Local organisations are not able to access funds via formal banking channels because of de-risking measures, with crippling effects on the Palestinian non-profit sector.

This monthly digest comprises threats and incidents of violence affecting protection of IDPs and refugees. It is prepared by Insecurity Insight from information available in open sources.

Security Incidents and Access Constraints

Africa

Central African Republic

Author: Manfred Arlt, Norwegian Church Aid, WASH advisor

DanChurchAid /Norwegian Church Aid provide WASH, Nutrition and Health service to vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza

The Prosecutor mandated to oversee the Occupied Palestinian Territory for the International Criminal Court (ICC) stated on Wednesday that her office is keeping “a close eye” on the planned demolition of a Palestinian village in the West Bank by Israeli authorities, warning that, according to international law, it could constitute a “war crime”.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has signed the first multi-year agreement with Indonesia’s national Zakat agency, BAZNAS. The agreement marks an important partnership for the Agency in promoting its #DignityIsPriceless Campaign and narrowing the gap of its unprecedented financial crisis.

Palestinian-Israeli violence continued last week throughout Palestine, with a major increase occurring in the West Bank due to Israeli raids and attacks by settlers on locals, and vice versa. In Iran and Bahrain, demonstrations and civil unrest continued, while in Turkey the investigation into the alleged murder of a journalist in the Saudi consulate carried on with international scrutiny. In Iraq, the increase in attacks on civilians continued in Baghdad and across the country.

GA/12078

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY
SEVENTY-THIRD SESSION, 20TH MEETING (PM)

The General Assembly decided today to provide additional rights and privileges of participation to the State of Palestine when it assumes its position as chair of the “Group of 77” developing countries and China for the year 2019.

The Assembly set out those terms in a resolution (document A/73/L.5) adopted by a recorded vote of 146 in favour to 3 against (Australia, Israel, United States), with 15 abstentions.

More than 8 million Palestinian people have benefited from various relief and development projects and social welfare services implemented by Qatar Charity (QC) in the Gaza Strip during the last 10 years (2008-2018) to meet their basic needs amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis and high rates of poverty and unemployment.

These projects and services have been a top priority for Qatar Charity, as they, directly and indirectly, benefited 800,000 individuals and families annually.

QC’s Office in Gaza

“I condemn this Friday’s attack in the occupied West Bank in which a Palestinian woman, Aisha AlRabi, a mother of eight, was killed and her husband injured by stones allegedly thrown by Israeli assailants.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Aisha and I wish a speedy recovery to her injured husband.

I take note that an investigation has been initiated and call on the Israeli authorities to ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.

October 12, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to providing humanitarian assistance and responding to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. Palestinian refugees endure high levels of poverty, unemployment and food insecurity. By helping to meet their humanitarian needs, Canada also contributes to stability in the region.

Doha / Information Office / October 10

Upon the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has announced $150 million in emergency aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip for years.