Gaza

MAG’s response in Gaza highlights our ability to react quickly and effectively to post-conflict humanitarian emergencies.

The problem

An area of continuing unrest, the most recent conflict in the Gaza Strip occurred from 27 December 2008 until 18 January 2009. Land, sea and air bombardment as well as ground combat resulted in large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining in civilian areas.

How MAG is helping

Following the most recent conflict, it was crucial that assessments of dangerous areas took place as soon as possible to allow other relief agencies to move in safely and deliver much needed aid. MAG deployed two senior technical staff to Jerusalem early in January 2009 to coordinate and plan with representatives of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) [external site]. In the first 36 hours after the ceasefire, MAG moved in two Explosive Ordnance Disposal experts who carried out risk assessments on five key transportation routes.

By quickly declaring them accessible, this allowed a United Nations Rapid Needs Assessment Team to get through and gauge the emergency relief requirements regarding shelter, feeding, medical support, water and sanitation.

MAG's work is ongoing in Gaza city. Find out more here: MAG Gaza in depth.

Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.

Beneficiaries

MAG is continuing to provide support and training to agencies involved in removing rubble from buildings categorised as having a high risk of UXO contamination.

This enables building work to begin in safety, resulting in short-term employment and income for local workers.

Find out more

MAG Gaza in depth
United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) [external site]
Alertnet profile: Israeli-Palestinian conflict [external site]
BBC profile: Gaza strip [external site]
Landmine Monitor Report: Palestine [external site]

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MAG would like to express its thanks to the following donors to its Gaza operations: UK Department for International Development (DFID); United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS); United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

October 2009