Gaza Strip Situation Report: 31 October 2005
By Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
November 07, 2005
Overview
Since the completion of Israeli disengagement on 12 September 2005 the
humanitarian situation for residents of Gaza has deteriorated. Violence significantly
escalated during two periods in the Gaza Strip - between 24 – 28 September and
since 24 October during which time Palestinian militants fired at least 80 rockets
towards Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched
aerial strikes throughout the Gaza Strip and fired artillery shells (into northern areas).
IAF aircraft also caused series of ‘sonic booms’ over the Gaza Strip.
The escalation in the conflict during October followed the killing of two Islamic Jihad
members in Tulkarm camp on 23 October and the suicide bombing in the Israeli town
of Hadera on 26 October that killed five Israelis.
The Gaza Strip has effectively been closed for Palestinians wanting to enter or leave.
Commercial flows have been minimal.
Israeli air strikes
During the times of heightened violence in the Gaza Strip there has been IAF air to
ground missiles fired at various targets throughout the Gaza Strip and artillery
shelling in the northern Gaza Strip on 26, 28, 29 October.2 These resulted in
Palestinian causalities and damaged buildings and infrastructure. In total 12
Palestinians, some of whom were civilians, were killed and 55 others injured.
Sonic booms
- There have been series of sonic booms reported over the Gaza Strip caused by
IAF aircraft flying at low altitude and breaking the sound barrier. Between 24 –
28 September there were 29 sonic booms recorded and since 24 October until
14:00 hours 31 October a further 28 have been experienced (total of 57). These
sonic booms were mostly caused during the evenings and early mornings when
children were going to school and people beginning their workday.
- The use of sonic booms by the IDF has caused physical damage and had
psychological effects on Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. UNRWA reported
that more than 350 windows and doors were destroyed or damaged in their
facilities in the Gaza Strip as a result of shock waves associated with the sonic
booms in September. Many private and public institutions, including schools,
were also damaged. Provisional information from health clinics in the Gaza Strip
report increased signs of psychological stress in the population, particularly
amongst children.
Northern Gaza Strip
- In the northern Gaza Strip, the IDF has begun constructing a concrete wall north
of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia. The 8 metre high wall is being constructed with
concrete slabs and is under construction along parts of the northern border
- At approximately midnight on 25 October the IDF announced through the
Palestinian DCO that areas in north and northeast of Beit Hanoun were now
under Israeli control. It has not been confirmed by the IDF the exact area of
control. However, limited Palestinian movement is again being reported in these
areas.
- On 30 October at 16:00 hours one Palestinian was injured after the IDF opened
fire into the northern Gaza evacuated settlement area.
Gaza Access
Erez crossing
- Since 24 September Erez crossing has been closed to all Palestinian workers and
traders crossing into Israel. This closure is in part because of a comprehensive
closure imposed by the IDF across the oPt (Gaza Strip and the West Bank) during
the Jewish holiday period. External movement from the West Bank for workers
and traders has also been prohibited since 24 September.
- A limited number of Palestinian VIP officials and humanitarian cases with prior
coordination have been allowed to cross through Erez crossing during this period.
- Between 24 - 25 September and 24 – 25 and 26 – 27 October access was denied
for all internationals, including UN agencies and international diplomat passport
holders.
Karni crossing
- Between 24 September – 9 October Karni crossing was closed to all imported
and exported goods. It reopened on 10 October but closed again on 12, 13, 17
(half day) and 24 October.
- Karni crossing was partially reopened on 26 October for both imported and
exported goods. However on 27, 28, 30 and 31 October Karni crossing was only
partially opened for imported goods (food supplies only). At 13:00 hours 31
October Karni crossing opened again for the transit of exported goods.
Rafah Passenger Terminal
Rafah has been closed since 7 September with some periodic openings to allow
predominately Mecca pilgrims to cross - it was reopened on 23 September and 3, 11,
12, 23, 24 (half day) and 30 October. Urgent medical referrals (humanitarian cases)
are now being processed through Erez crossing.
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