Memorandum submitted by the European Commission
THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA, INCLUDING
ACCESS TO FUEL, FOOD AND HEALTH SERVICES
With respect to the humanitarian situation in
Gaza, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood
Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, stated on 21 January 2008:
"I condemn the rocket fire into Israel and
we fully understand Israel's need to defend its citizens. I have
called for an immediate ceasefire. However, the recent decision
to close all border crossings into Gaza as well as to stop the
provision of fuel will exacerbate an already dire humanitarian
situation in the Gaza Strip and risks escalating an already difficult
situation on the ground. Following the closure, the only Power
Plant in Gaza has completely shut down. Cutting the supply of
fuel jeopardises the electricity production and the supply of
clean water. Over the weekend we have already seen blackouts in
parts of Gaza, affecting both homes and hospitals. Closing the
crossings will also result in shortages of food, medical and relief
items. I urge the Israeli authorities to restart fuel supplies
and open the crossings for the passage of humanitarian and commercial
supplies. Neither the blockade nor the recent military strikes
are able to prevent the rocket attacks. Only a credible political
agreement this year, as foreseen at Annapolis, can turn Palestinians
away from violence. That is why we must support Prime Minister
Olmert and President Abbas in their current efforts."
The European Commission has expressed its deep
concerns about the distressing socio-economic and humanitarian
situation in Gaza. Currently, it is working both at political
and technical level to propose solutions.
In response to the complete closure of all crossing
points by Israel on 17 January 2008, the European Commission urged
the Israeli authorities to restart fuel supplies and to open the
crossings for the passage of humanitarian and commercial supplies.
On 28 January, EU Foreign Ministers called for the continuous
provision of essential goods and services to the people in Gaza,
including fuel and power supplies.
Considering the difficult situation in Gaza,
the European Commission is providing considerable support to the
Gaza population through different channels: cash transfers through
Pegase; humanitarian aid through ECHO; support to UNRWA, as the
largest provider of relief to the refugee population; payment
of fuel deliveries for the Gaza power plant. The Commission also
provides support to the North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment
Project, in order to protect the communities living in Beit Lahia
from a possible overflow of the untreated water.
The EU is furthermore ready to resume its monitoring
mission at Rafah when conditions allow.
Currently, the European Commission is implementing
the following measures to help the Palestinian people in Gaza:
— Funding of fuel deliveries to the
Gaza power plant (through the PEGASE mechanism);
— Payment of social allowances to public
sector employees and the poorest families, on a monthly and quarterly
basis respectively (through PEGASE);
— Support to the Palestinian refugees
through UNRWA. Since the last year, the Commission has stepped
up its support to UNRWA's General Fund. Total EC assistance to
UNRWA in 2007 amounted to over €100 million, covering the
Agency's all five fields of operation in the region;
— Supplies of Humanitarian and Food
Aid through the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO);
— EC support to the North Gaza Emergency
Sewage Treatment Project, in order to protect the communities
living in Beit Lahia from a possible overflow of the untreated
water.
— EC provides support, through PEGASE,
to the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan, which includes
several projects in Gaza. The Commission stands ready to expand
its development support in the Strip, as soon as the situation
allows it.
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