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Gaza Strip: Civilian population in urgent need of relief measures
10 Feb 2009 10:16:00 GMT
 Bündnis Entwicklung hilft

Website: Website: http://www.entwicklung-hilft.de

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Irrespective of the election outcome in Israel, the Entwicklung hilft alliance is demanding that the ceasefire be kept and that the borders be unconditionally and immediately opened for relief supplies.

Bonn. The Entwicklung hilft alliance has made a renewed appeal for donations to enable the stepping up of relief activities in Gaza. So far, the member organisations of the alliance have provided more than 200,000.- euro. The alliance severely criticises that the relief measures are being obstructed. At the moment, it is particularly important that the clashes between the two parties be ended and that the borders be opened, irrespective of the election outcome in Israel.

Peter Mucke, Secretary of the Entwicklung hilft alliance, demands: "Given such a far-reaching humanitarian and political tragedy, nobody can look away. We have to help those suffering and support reconstruction. The first step for a lasting peace is a genuine ceasefire and to ensure survival."

Only an average of 135 lorry-loads a day may pass the border checkpoints to the Gaza Strip, while according to the UN, at least 500 would be required to meet even the most pressing needs. Goods such as cement, iron, pipes or spare components may still not be brought in. This is an obstacle both to repairing and reconstructing schools and hospitals and to water and drainage system repairs.

Currently, alliance activities focus on restoring primary healthcare. Israeli and Palestinian partner organisations are continuing their relief programmes. The injured are being cared for, and blankets, mattresses and water are being distributed. The Israeli partner organisation Physicians for Human Rights - Israel is sending urgently required drugs. Furthermore, several Israeli physicians are supporting their Palestinian colleagues in Gaza. The long-term rehabilitation measures are to be launched as soon as possible.

As the Entwicklung hilft alliance, "Brot für die Welt", "Welthungerhilfe", medico international, Misereor and terre des hommes provide acute emergency relief and long-term development co-operation after disasters and in crisis areas.

To mitigate suffering and support reconstruction, the alliance Development Works is appealing for donations to the following donations account:

Spendenkonto 51 51 Bank für Sozialwirtschaft; BLZ 370 205 00 Stichwort: Nahost Online-Spenden: http://www.entwicklung-hilft.de/online-spende.html

The following persons are available for inquiries and interviews: - medico: Tsafrir Cohen, Representative in in Israel & Palästina: Mobile phone: 00972/546539790, Mail: ho-jlem@medico.de - Misereor: Maria Haarmann, Head of Department, Middle East, Tel. 0241/442-214, Mail: haarmann@misereor.de

Press contact: Bündnis Entwicklung hilft - Pressestelle Tel. 030 - 44 35 19 89 presse(at)entwicklung-hilft.de, www.entwicklung-hilft.de


[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

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Graffiti is seen on a wall in the Samouni family house in Gaza City February 8, 2009. During Israel's 22-day land, air and sea assault on the impoverished Gaza Strip, the ...


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