A number of incidents over the past few days have endangered the cease-fire unilaterally implemented by Israel on 18 January, and later the same day by Hamas and other Palestinian factions. On the morning of 27 January, one Israeli soldier was killed and three soldiers injured by a roadside bomb on the Israeli side of the Gaza border. One Palestinian was killed, and another seriously injured, in separate incidents by Israeli fire following the explosion. On 29 January, the Israeli air force wounded the militant allegedly responsible for the explosion, in addition to seven schoolgirls who were passing by. The Israeli air force also carried out raids on tunnels along the Gaza-Egyptian borders and on a building in Rafah on the night of 28 January. Palestinian militants fired two Qassam rockets into southern Israel on 28 January; no injuries were reported.
The cease-fire followed twenty-two days of bombardment by land, sea and air which left over 1,300 Palestinians dead and over 5,300 injured. Extensive destruction was caused to commercial enterprises and to public infrastructure: according to Palestinian industrialists, 219 factories were destroyed or severely damaged during the Israeli military operation. Of the three per cent of industrial capacity that was still operating after the 18-month Israeli blockade, much has now been destroyed.
Needs and damage assessments are currently underway. The initial response is focusing on re-establishing basic services, including water, health, food, cash assistance, education and psychosocial support. Work has already begun on conducting repairs to shelters, water and sanitation systems, health facilities, and other essential infrastructure. Construction materials and spare parts were already blocked from entering Gaza prior to the military operation; the immediate import of such materials is vital for the reconstruction effort.
The level of truckloads of aid entering Gaza daily is insufficient to meet daily requirements, let alone the increased demand. Humanitarian organizations continue to face serious restrictions to enter Gaza, which is impairing the ability of the humanitarian community to respond to the urgent needs of the population in a timely and effective manner.
PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS
Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) figures as of 28 January are 1,366 Palestinians dead, of whom 430 are children and 111 are women. This number does not include those who have died due to lack of access to regular health care (including obstetric care and treatment for chronic diseases). The number of injuries stands at 5,380, of whom 1,870 are children and 800 are women. ICRC staff has collected data on more than 100 people registered by their families as missing during the conflict.
According to the Magen David Adom national society, three Israelis have been killed and 182 injured since 27 December by rocket and mortar fire by Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip. Eleven Israeli soldiers have been killed and 339 wounded.
MINE ACTION
UNICEF, ICRC and other agencies continue to highlight the danger posed by unexploded ordnance (UXOs) following the deaths of two children by UXOs on 20 January. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians are currently clearing areas throughout the Gaza Strip. Six main transportation roads were confirmed clear as of 23 January. All UNRWA schools have been checked and cleared of UXOs. Eight UNICEF-supported government schools were also cleared by 28 January.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.