Appeal
Occupied Palestinian Territories
Gaza Crisis - MEPL81 (Revision 3)
Appeal Target: US$ 6,678,415
Contributions/ pledges received: US$ 5,013,306
Balance requested: US$ 1,665,109
Geneva, 25 September 2009
This revision is to take account of changes made to component carried out by Dan Church Aid (DCA) Approved: 19 September 2009): After reviewing its activities, DCA deemed it necessary to modify major parts of its operations. The focus of the operation will now be placed on psycho-social activities for youths in Gaza. Please note this entails a change in appeal target.
The Gaza Strip has experienced a devastating war with the attacks by the Israeli army on Gaza between 27 December 2008 and 18 January. The attacks were preceded by 18 months of blockade by Israel and ongoing rocket fire by Hamas militants on Israel. The war has caused 1,430 dead and 5,300 injured according to Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and about 90,000 homeless amongst the Palestinian population. The majority of causalities have been civilians, many of which women and children.
In addition, 4,100 homes were totally destroyed and another 17,000 structures damaged, eight schools completely destroyed, 179 schools suffered significant damage; 92 mosques were fully or partially destroyed. Already before fighting started, 95 % of the private sector was paralysed, and most of the people laid off. The war inflicted even more damage, destroying factories, workshops and affecting 60% of the agricultural land. After the mutual unilateral ceasefire, the borders remain closed for many vital goods and also basic humanitarian supplies.
The 1.5 million Gazan people continue suffering from acute shortages of fuel, food and medical supplies, more than half of them children. They are living in one of the world's most densely populated areas with no freedom of movement. With access virtually cut off since June 2007, poverty, unemployment, and basic supply shortages remain critical and desperation in Gaza is dire.
ACT members and implementing partner organizations have also been targets of bombardments, resulting in casualties and immense damage. Three mobile health clinics, supported by DCA, were destroyed in an Israeli air strike. A clinic in Shaja'ih in Gaza city, run by DSPR, was also struck by Israeli missiles, the building and medical equipment and supplies entirely destroyed.
ACT members, DSPR, IOCC, YMCA; NCA, and DCA organized in the ACT Palestine Forum, have been actively supporting the population in Gaza since July 2008 and scaled up their support after the attacks started. ACT Palestine Forum members have been able to deliver emergency relief materials including high energy biscuits, blankets and medicines before the cease fire was in place.
The appeal revision 1 was launched on 16 January to allow members to scale up their response on short notice and before a more detailed planning was arranged. The revision included immediate relief activities for the period of three months including food supplements, medicines, medical supplies and equipment, cash for food and cash for work. Special emphasis was laid on the provision of psychosocial assistance, facilitated by FinnChurchAid (FCA). FCA fielded a psychosocial consultant to assist the members active in Gaza in stepping up their work in community based psychosocial actions, staff care and staff training. Preparation of this work was tedious in the face of the closed border and limited access to Gaza.
This appeal MEPL81 revision 2 takes into account the escalation of violence and its impact on the population. The appeal will be extended until the end of 2009 to continue the support to most vulnerable families. Members will provide job opportunities, income from agriculture, emergency relief, educational and medical supplies. In addition, DSPR proposes to reconstruct the clinic that was bombed for which a detailed project will be worked out. The appeal includes to a limited extent also activities for the West Bank, planned by DSPR.
Coordination: in agreement with members of the forum, NCA has seconded a coordinator for a three month crisis period with the task to strengthen the coordination and communication pertaining to the appeal implementation and support the forum structure in relation to emergency planning. Part-time coordinators in Gaza and Jerusalem will ensure proper coordination between members and other players.
Separate component is planned for Community Based Psychosocial activities to enhance the capacity of members active in the field, as the impact of violence on the daily live of the population is tremendous. A psycho-social consultant is engaged support the members in the implementation of their activities, including staff care meetings and Training of trainers sessions.
Evaluation: an external evaluation is planned given the importance of the appeal both in terms of volume of funding and the challenges of the context and complexity of coordination.
MEMBER ACRONYMS:
DSPR/MECC: Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees of the Middle East Council of Churches
IOCC: International Orthodox Christian Charities
YMCA: Young Men Christian Association, East Jerusalem
NCA: Norwegian Church Aid
DCA: DanChurchAid
FCA: FinnChurchAid
CoS: Church of Sweden
Project Completion Date:
DSPR: 17 July 2008 - 31 December 2009
IOCC/YMCA: 17 July 2008 - 31 December 2009
NCA: 1 August 2008 - 31 December 2009
DCA: 7 January 2009 -31 December 2009
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FOR THE FULL APPEAL TEXT AND BUDGETS (PDF FILE), KINDLY VISIT THE ACT SITE. THANK YOU.
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Please kindly send your contributions to either of the following ACT bank accounts:
US dollar
Account Number - 240-432629.60A
IBAN No: CH46 0024 0240 4326 2960A
Euro
Euro Bank Account Number - 240-432629.50Z
IBAN No: CH84 0024 0240 4326 2950Z
Account Name: ACT - Action by Churches Together
UBS AG
8, rue du Rhône
P.O. Box 2600
1211 Geneva 4, SWITZERLAND
Swift address: UBSW CHZH12A
Please also inform the Finance Officer Jessie Kgoroeadira (jkg@act-intl.org) and the Programme Officer Michael Zschiegner (mzs@act-intl.org) of all pledges/ contributions and transfers, including funds sent direct to the implementers.
We would appreciate being informed of any intent to submit applications for back-donor funding and the subsequent results. We thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.
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ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.
The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
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