Highlights
In 2017, as the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) enters its 50th year of occupation, humanitarian needs remain high. Tensions continue in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and Gaza continues to experience restrictions and deprivations stemming from the blockade imposed on it since 2007.
During the first quarter of 2017, a total of 136 children were detained and/or arrested in East Jerusalem, including 4 children below the age of 12 (age of criminal responsibility). Out of these 136 children, UNICEF provided 113 children (83 %) and their families with legal aid services through Mada Creative Center in East Jerusalem.
UNICEF, in collaboration with GVC, distributed tankered water to the most vulnerable communities of Ar Ramadeen, Masafer Bani Naim, Khalet Al Mayya, Al Karmel, Yatta, Tubas and Jericho through a coupon system to benefit 7,500 people in 2017.
In Gaza, UNICEF in coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Near East Council of Churches reached 1,175 mothers and their newborn babies with post-natal home visiting services, exceeding its target in the first quarter. Additionally, 510 at-risk newborn babies benefited from quality life-saving and effective interventions.
In education, protective presence needs continue to be high. In the first half of 2016 alone, education-related grave violations nearly doubled since 2015: there were 127 education-related violations in Palestine, affecting 14,751 children. UNICEF continues to facilitate access to education in highrisk locations in the West Bank, particularly in Area C by providing protective presence in partnership with the international NGO Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine.
UNICEF SoP’s humanitarian response requirements for 2017 amount to US$ 24.5 million. UNICEF’s funding gap stands at US$ 17.2 million, which if not met will jeopardise UNICEF’s ability to meet the needs of up to 221,296 targeted children with essential emergency services.