Geneva, 17 November 2012
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
Since November 14th 2012, the situation in Gaza has further escalated into outright military confrontation causing many casualties, 39 killed and 314 injured of whom 40% are women and children on the Palestinian side and 4 killed and dozens injured on the Israeli side. The military actions have resulted in damage to homes and infrastructure with the emerging displacement of civilians. The situation remains tense and APF Members are following up and updating on humanitarian needs. There is serious concern that the situation will escalate with an increasing number of casualties, injured and displaced civilians.
2. Why is an ACT response needed?
APF members present on the ground, with a combined experience of over thirty years, have the deep rooted responsibility to our local partners, along with the local civil society, UN agencies and INGOs to respond with our expertise and know-how to help in saving lives and empowering people to cope with a devastating situation.
3. National and international response
Egypt has offered 50 tons of medical supplies and personnel; OCHA is continuing to coordinate on information gathering, identification of stocks and potential response in the case of increased needs; UN agencies are coordinating on the ground and have activated the Gaza contingency plan. The PNA also has plans to send medical supplies and personnel.
4. ACT Alliance response
Continuous Updates by APF from Gaza and Assessing accordingly immediate and medium term needs.
Emergency Response Team Activated.
APF Emergency meeting on Monday November 19th, 2012
5. Planned activities
Continuing assessment of the situation, as it is unclear at the moment how it will develop.
Identify the different scenarios in order to respond adequately to the needs.
Immediate readiness to respond to emerging needs such as shelter, food and water, fuel and medical and overall psychological support with special focus on women and children.
6. Constraints
The security situation on the ground
Movement and access
Unpredictability of the situation
Forum/Member (where no forum exists) contact information with phone numbers and Email address. Communications contact information with phone numbers and Email address. Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel Birmele, Director of Finance (jbi@actalliance.org)
For further information please contact: ACT Senior Programme Officer, Josef Pfattner (phone +4122 791 6710) or ACT Deputy General Secretary, Rebecca Larson (phone +41 22 791 6069 or mobile +41 79 376 1711) ACT Web Site address: http://www.actalliance.org