Tracking - Hunger in Congo, Gaza Blockade Continues
[A day on the ground in Congo - Footage from UNICEF of humanitarian relief activities]
Rising Malnutrition in Eastern Congo:
A leading humanitarian agency has reported that the number of children in eastern Congo suffering severe malnutrition is "rising dramatically". According to the statement released by World Vision:
"In the worst-hit area, World Vision estimates the number of children under the age of five suffering from malnutrition has increased ten-fold."
Even treatment centers are running out supplies. As one local nurse described: "We have had no milk at the centre for one week. This morning we had 53 children in need of treatment, but we had nothing to give them."
This spike in malnutrition is the result of the fighting which has engulfed eastern Congo since late August. The conflict has made it particularly difficult for humanitarian agencies to reach those most in need.
That said, there was a shred of good news earlier today, with the rebels agreeing to pull back from certain areas to allow humanitarian agencies access.
For the most up-to-date information about the overall humanitarian situation, see here. For more information about food distributions in particular, see here.
Gaza Blockade:
Israel again closed the border crossings into Gaza today, after allowing humanitarian supplies to enter yesterday. According to an Israeli Government spokesman, "the crossings are shut because of ongoing rocket fire" by Hamas.
Israel initially sealed the border on November 4th, in response to Hamas rocket and mortar fire against Israeli towns. Humanitarian supplies were not allowed through - by late last week UN warehouses were empty, causing the UN to suspend food distributions to 750,000 people.
Israel partially lifted the blockade yesterday, allowing 33 trucks to enter Gaza, including 21 carrying humanitarian supplies. In response, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) announced that it would resume food distributions on Tuesday.
That said, UNRWA requires a minimum of 15 trucks per day to sustain "normal humanitarian operations".
Continued after the jump:
"Because of the ongoing blockade and the shortages of stock, these thirteen days of total closures have already caused severe shortages, especially in fuel and electricity supply. The closure shut down the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries- many the most vulnerable- who are dependent on this critical source of aid.
In particular, the power disruptions have made it difficult for many in Gaza to access water, as many wells depend on electrical pumps. OCHA reports that:
"Approximately, 30% of the Gaza Strip population have access to running water for 4-6 hours every four days, 30% of the population has access to water for 4-6 hours every three days and 40% of the population has access to water for 4-6 hours every other day."
Most Gaza residents are suffering disruption to their daily lives as result of the reduced access to water, since they are dependant on electricity to pump water into their houses. During the power outages, the water cannot be pumped above ground level. "
For a more detailed picture of the humanitarian situation, see the most recent OCHA Gaza Humanitarian Situation Report (November 17th).
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