Ref: 22/2006
Date: 12 June 2006
PCHR Publishes a Special Report on the Effects of Israeli Closure of the Gaza Strip
PCHR issued a special report today on the effects of the complete Israeli closure of the Gaza Strip. The report is the latest in a series of similar reports that have been issued since Israeli closure of the Strip began. The latest report focuses on the closure of the Gaza Strip following the implementation of the Israeli unilateral disengagement plan. It covers the period from 12 September 2005 up to 30 April 2006. The disengagement plan involved the removal of Israeli military presence inside the Gaza Strip and the redeployment of forces to the Strip’s borders. In addition, Israeli settlements were dismantled. After the implementation of the plan, Israel imposed an unprecedented closure on the Strip’s land borders, sea and airspace.
This special report documents the effects of the complete closure of the Gaza Strip under occupation, and on the economic, social, and cultural rights of the 1.4 million Palestinians living in extremely poor humanitarian conditions in the Strip. The situation threatens the ability of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), non-governmental institutions (NGO’s), and international organizations to provide services. The current situation forewarns of the potential spread of disease due to the lack of medicines and medical supplies; as well as malnutrition, especially among pregnant and lactating women, children, the sick and elderly; and the restrictions on the flow of food into the Gaza Strip. In addition, the sharp rise seen in the price of basic goods and fuel, which has worsened the economic and social situation, has coincided with the suspension of financial aid to the PNA. The suspension of aid has led to a cumulative deficit, as the PNA is unable to pay the salaries of civilian and security governmental employees.
Israel’s policy of complete closure imposed on the Gaza Strip has had severe repercussions on the economic, social, and living conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). These conditions had already deteriorated considerably over the past few years due to the destruction of civilian property, including the razing of agricultural land and land confiscation, and other Israeli policies targeting Palestinian civilians.
The decision of donor countries, especially the European Union (EU), United States, Canada, and Japan, to halt financial aid to the Palestinian people has accelerated deterioration in the living conditions of Palestinian civilians. World Bank statistics show that more than 50% of Palestinians in the OPT now live under the poverty line, with 70% living under the poverty line in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the unemployment rate stands at 34% in the OPT, and at 44% in the Gaza Strip. During times of complete closure of the Gaza Strip, the unemployment rate climbs to 55%. In addition, preliminary data indicate that the per capita income has dropped by 40% since the outbreak of Al-Aqsa Intifada.
Economic and social conditions in the Gaza Strip are sure to deteriorate further, particularly in light of the PNA’s inability to pay the salaries of its employees. This situation will result in another 150,000 workers joining the ranks of the unemployed. Several international sources expect the PNA’s weakness to lead to an increase in the mortality rate caused by deterioration in the security situation and the deterioration of health conditions, as well as the paralysis of public services such as sewage disposal and drinking water facilities.
The report includes a complete overview of the situation of border crossings of the Strip, which are the only transportation option for goods and people. Detailed statistics on closure days is included in the report. In addition, the report outlines the effects of the closure policy on the living conditions of Palestinians, especially with regards to their economic, social and cultural rights. Local and international organizations continue to issue warnings about increasing poverty and deprivation among the Palestinian population.
