INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Humanitarian Assistance Continues to Trickle Into

Published: Mon 25 Jun 2007 02:05 PM
VZCZCXRO5059
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHJM #1304 1761405
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 251405Z JUN 07
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8158
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY
UNCLAS JERUSALEM 001304
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE; NEA/IPA FOR
WILLIAMS/SHAMPAINE/BELGRADE; PRM FOR PDAS GREENE AND
PRM/ANE; NSC FOR ABRAMS/WATERS; TREASURY FOR
SZUBIN/LOEFFLER/NUGENT/HIRSON; BRUSSELS FOR LERNER; PLEASE
PASS TO USAID FOR KUNDER/MCCLOUD/BORODIN
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ECON EFIN KPAL KWBG PGOV PHUM
SUBJECT: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE CONTINUES TO TRICKLE INTO
GAZA
REF: JERUSALEM 1296
1. (SBU) Summary: Imports into Gaza remain mostly limited to
humanitarian shipments. After Kerem Shalom crossing closed
early June 25 due to mortar fire, WFP shipments of sugar,
flour, and oil were diverted and passed through Sufa
crossing. Gaza hospitals are all operational despite
run-down facilities and equipment. End summary.
Kerem Shalom Closed;
Animal Feed Arrives
-------------------
2. (SBU) WFP Spokesperson Kirstie Campbell told Econoff June
25, and Gaza-based USAID and OCHA staff confirmed, that Kerem
Shalom was closed at 0945 hours June 25 after mortar shells
were fired at the crossing. As a result, WFP diverted 11
truckloads of food aid (sugar, flour, and oil), which moved
into Gaza via the Sufa crossing. WFP shipped nine truckloads
of food aid through Kerem Shalom June 24. WFP estimates that
150 truckloads of food aid are needed each day to meet Gaza's
food needs. Campbell said that 52 truckloads of animal feed
were shipped by Gaza companies through Sufa crossing into
Gaza June 23.
No Damage at Karni/al-Mintar
----------------------------
3. (SBU) Gaza-based USAID staff visited Karni/al-Mintar
crossing June 24 and reported that there appeared to be no
damage to the crossing's infrastructure from recent violence.
4. (SBU) Gaza-based OCHA representative Hamada al-Raiz told
Econoff that Nahal Oz fuel transfer station remained open
June 25, while Karni/al-Mintar and Rafah crossings remain
closed. Erez continues to be open to limited numbers of NGO
staff and light ICRC medical shipments June 25.
Gaza Hospital Infrastructure
and Equipment Dilapidated
-------------------------
5. (SBU) Gaza-based WHO National Health officer Mahmoud
Daher told Econoff June 25 that all Gaza hospitals are
operating June 25, but with dilapidated equipment and a lack
of parts, surgical kits, and laundry services. He said that
Gaza City's Al Quds Hospital opened June 24 for certain
outpatient surgical operations, but inpatient services remain
unavailable. Daher said that the Gaza City Dar al-Shifa
Hospital's main operating theater lacks light bulbs.
6. (SBU) ICRC Spokesperson Bernard Barrett told Econoff June
25 that ICRC shipped a truckload of medicine and disposables
through Kerem Shalom June 24 and that two ICRC-sponsored
Gazans were transferred through Erez crossing June 23 for
treatment in Israeli hospitals.
WALLES
View as: DESKTOP | MOBILE © Scoop Media