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.