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Occupied Palestinian Territory: Gaza offensive adds to scale of displacement

According to the UN, 2009 marked one of the most violent periods experienced by the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza since the occupation began in 1967. The three-week Israeli offensive in Gaza launched in December 2008 cost the lives of over 1,000 Palestinians and led to the displacement of over 100,000 people. In Gaza, the continued Israeli blockade has stalled reconstruction and limited the access to assistance of the tens of thousands of people still displaced. In the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) demolitions of houses by the Israeli authorities has continued to cause displacement, displacing close to 600 Palestinians in 2009.

Though estimates vary, at least a further 129,000 people were reportedly displaced within the Occupied Palestinian Territory (the OPT) during the four decades to 2008. In addition, close to 100,000 people are reportedly at risk of displacement. (...)

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