GAZA HUMANITARIAN UPDATE - JANUARY 7

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 000070 SIPDIS SENSITIVE NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND NEA/IPA, PRM FOR PRM/ANE; NSC FOR PASCUAL/PRATT; PLEASE PASS TO USAID FOR KUNDER/MCCLOUD/BORODIN/NANDY/LAUDATO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EAID PHUM KWBG ETRD IS SUBJECT: GAZA HUMANITARIAN UPDATE - JANUARY 7 REF: Jerusalem 46 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. An estimated 30-40 truckloads entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom crossing and an additional five to ten entered via Rafah crossing on January 7. A total of 360,000 liters of fuel for the power plant entered via Nahal Oz on January 7, but had not been picked up on the Gaza side as of 1600 local due to the security situation. A "humanitarian pause" on January 7 allowed distribution of some humanitarian aid, but contacts reported shelling and a Qassam launch near Gaza City during the pause. Military operations inside Gaza continued to disrupt distribution of humanitarian supplies. End Summary. Crossings Open for Limited Shipments -------------- ¶2. (SBU) WFP contacts said that 30-40 truckloads of humanitarian supplies entered Gaza through Kerem Shalom crossing on January 7. 5-10 truckloads of humanitarian aid from Arab countries entered through Rafah crossing. The GOI reportedly accepted only 10 of WFP's requested 20 truckloads. EU contacts said that 360,000 liters of industrial fuel were transferred at Nahal Oz fuel station on January 7, but the shipments were not delivered to the power plant because Palestinian truck drivers were unwilling to transit the area. Karni's conveyer belt and Erez crossing were closed on January 7. ¶3. (SBU) On January 6, a total of two trucks of medical supplies entered Rafah crossing, and 20 medical evacuees exited there. "Humanitarian Pause" Allows Increased Movement -------------- - ¶4. (SBU) The IDF implemented a "humanitarian pause," between 1300 and 1600 local on January 7. According to UNRWA contacts, the pause allowed aid agencies to safely distribute some humanitarian supplies, but it did not increase the number of shipments into Gaza. WHO Gaza director told Econoff that a WHO truck was denied entry into Gaza City during the pause, while another was allowed passage. WHO contacts said that several shellings were heard in and around Gaza City during 1300-1600 local on January 7. ¶5. (SBU) Gaza contacts report using the pause to purchase needed supplies, fill water containers, and check on relatives. Press reports indicate that the IDF did not grant access in all areas. According to one report, ambulance workers were required to use a local donkey cart to retrieve injured and transport them back to the waiting ambulance. ¶6. (SBU) Contacts report varying accounts of whether the pause will be repeated on January 8. ¶7. (SBU) UNRWA reported that one of its truck convoys traveling from Gaza City to Kerem Shalom on January 7 was fired upon. UNRWA contacts say the attacks occurred after the GOI provided assurances the movement was coordinated. Fuel sector seeking transport security -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Gaza fuel sector executives told Econ specialist on January 7 that they are seeking "guarantees" of safe passage before picking up fuel at Nahal Oz, given ongoing military operations. UNRWA contacts said that they plan to distribute some UNRWA fuel stocks to four Gaza hospitals and the Coastal Municipal Water Utility for water and sewage pumps, the majority of which are not operating, per WHO contacts. ¶9. (SBU) Although 215,000 liters of industrial diesel were distributed to the power plant on January 6, it was insufficient to restart the turbines, according to OCHA contacts in Gaza, and the plant remains down. 16,600 Gazans in Shelters -------------- ¶10. (SBU) UNRWA reported that it has established 27 shelters for more than 16,600 displaced persons. According to Save the Children, approximately half are children under 15 years old. UNRWA plans to distribute food and water to all of its shelters, but has an insufficient number of blankets and mattresses. ¶11. (SBU) UNRWA contacts reported that it restocked 6 food distribution sites on January 6 and distributed from those sites on January 7. According to UNRWA, the WFP had to cancel its food distribution in Gaza City on January 6 because representatives could JERUSALEM 00000070 002 OF 002 not access its warehouse. WFP was able to deliver 75MT of flour to about 750 families in Khan Younis. The WFP plans to distribute a full food basket in Khan Younis on January 7. 85 percent of mobile phones down -------------- ¶12. (SBU) PalTel telecom contacts said on January 6 that 85 percent of PalTel's phone customers in Gaza do not have service and 160 of its 200 towers were down. (Note: However, ConGenOffs had more success reaching Gazans on their mobile phones on January 7 than the day before. End Note.) PMA requests cash transfers to Gaza -------------- ¶13. (SBU) The PMA on January 7 officially requested the Bank of Israel to authorize two separate cash transfers of 243 million NIS and 16 million USD from the West Bank to Gaza. The funds are allocated to pay Palestinian Authority salaries, UNRWA cash assistance, and social welfare payments. (Septel) ¶14. (SBU) PA President Mahmud Abbas issued a decree on January 7 that the PA will deduct one day's salary from government employees in the West Bank for the benefit of Gaza, according to local contacts and press reports. Walles