OPT: The Humanitarian Monitor - Dec 2009

December Overview

As the year of 2009 came to a close, large segments of the Palestinian civilian population in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), in particular those living in the Gaza Strip, in Area C of the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, continued to endure a serious crisis of human dignity.

December marked one year since the start of Israel's "Cast Lead" military offensive on the Gaza Strip, one of the most violent episodes in recent Palestinian history. The operation resulted in the deaths of nearly 1,400 Palestinians and the injury of over 5,400 more as well as the deaths of 13 Israelis and the injury of 512 more. Since the ceasefires implemented on 18 January 2009, 76 additional Palestinians, including four this month, have been killed, along with one Israeli. The "Cast Lead" offensive also resulted in widespread damage to Palestinian infrastructure and public and private property. The Israeli-imposed blockade, in place since June 2007, continued throughout the year, making attempts to carry out reconstruction activities almost impossible. As of the end of the year, some 20,000 Gazans remain displaced.