Friday, January 16, 2009

Protection of Civilians Weekly Report-OCHAOPT

As of 15 January, almost 32% of all fatalities (346) have been children. Approximately 1709
children have been wounded, some with multiple injuries.

Preventing the evacuation of wounded/Lack of access for ambulance teams
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is receiving an average of 130 appeals for the
evacuation of wounded per day. Many closed areas require Israeli approval for entry. However,
Israeli authorities have not approved PRCS to enter several areas, mostly in northern Gaza.

PRCS reported that it takes approximately six hours to receive approval to enter closed areas to
evacuate Palestinian wounded. PRCS also reported cases where corpses of people who died as
far back as 3 January have not yet been removed for lack of Israeli approval
, and expressed its
concern over the possible health impact of the decomposition of bodies in the streets.

Although Israeli authorities have alleged the looting of food aid by Hamas militants, there has been no reported theft or misuse of these supplies.

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