Occupied Palestinian territories

Executive Summary: Desperation grows

2009 saw an intensification of the politically-induced humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). Damage inflicted on Gaza during Israel’s Operation Cast Lead offensive in December 2008-January 2009 has not been repaired and the enclave’s infrastructure, economy and social fabric are under tremendous pressure due to the ongoing Israeli blockade. In the West Bank protracted violations of human rights and humanitarian principles continued and the Government of Israel dashed prospects for peace by further building of settlements, despite growing international condemnation.

HRI 2010 occupied Palestinian territories Crisis Report The Humanitarian Response Index HRI 2010 missions calendar Op Ed by Ross Mountain published in An Naha, June 2010 HRI 2009 occupied Palestinian territories Crisis Report

The barrier, March 2010

Gaza remains in the grip of a chronic humanitarian crisis characterised by shortages of food, potable water and medicine. The human misery caused by the blockade is rarely mentioned in political debate around Gaza. The enclave has, in effect, become a “humanitarian welfare” state, almost fully dependent on foreign aid. As standards of education, culture and living decline, Gaza has become a classic example of “de-development”. Limited access to land and livelihood opportunities continues to prevent development.

To add to the problem, the blockade and international boycott of contact with Hamas exacerbate the feeling of isolation of the Hamas authorities and their suspicions of aid workers. Hamas’ occasional interference with their work, and persistent restrictions on human rights workers having contacts with those whose rights have been abused – many of them inflicted by the local police or Hamas militants – limit the humanitarian space.

Donor response: generous but not principled
Donors responded rapidly and generously in 2009 to the crisis, with 22 new donors pledging support to the appeal. Kuwait was a significant new donor, becoming one of the top five. The US was the top donor.

However, there is clear evidence that in many cases, donor political interests have overridden the humanitarian principle that support should be impartially provided on the basis of need. Donors did not coordinate robust calls on Israel to permit unrestricted access of humanitarian goods and workers. The “no contact with Hamas” policy adopted by key donors severely compromises delivery of humanitarian assistance along agreed principles of international humanitarian law. It excludes some vulnerable groups in Gaza in need of humanitarian aid. The ultimate effectiveness of donor assistance is dependent on the selective and unpredictable goodwill of the Israeli government to allow certain shipments and categories of aid into Gaza. On a positive note, several donors were cited as examples of good donorship as they provide multi-year commitments, remain flexible and offer un-earmarked funding.

The report includes lessons learnt and recommendations for the future.