(Communicated by the Ministry of Defense, Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories)
On Thursday (14 January 2010), the Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration held a conference summing up its work in 2009. Headed by Col. Moshe Levy, commander of the Gaza CLA, the conference brought together all the large international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip. During the meeting the parties reviewed activities during the past year and the goals for 2010.
COGAT - Summary of humanitarian aid to Gaza 2009
During 2009, international organizations were more active in the Gaza Strip despite the complex security situation in Gaza. There was an increase of 125% in the number of internationals crossing into the Gaza Strip and some 400 delegations of foreign officials, including activists and diplomats, who have entered Gaza Strip in coordination with the Gaza CLA. Furthermore, there was a 28% increase in the transfer of humanitarian goods from Israel to Gaza via the Kerem Shalom and Sufa crossings.
During the meeting participants were presented with details of the activities of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and of the Gaza CLA during Operation Cast Lead, during which the Gaza CLA maintained regular contact with all organizations in order to meet their needs. During the operation there were approximately 1,600 cases where the Gaza CLA coordinated the evacuation of populations from combat areas, and of casualties via international organizations, including the Red Cross. In addition, 1,400 truckloads of humanitarian goods were transferred from Israel into Gaza Strip through the crossing points, during the fighting, coordinated by the Gaza CLA and supplied by international organizations.
Gaza CLA commander Col. Moshe Levy, said: "The fruitful cooperation between the Coordination and Liaison Administration and the international organizations allows us to respond to the needs of the Palestinian population in Gaza, which currently lives under a regime of terror. Because of the cooperation and the support given by international organizations, there is a wide and varied supply of food and medicine in the Gaza Strip, a fact well established by in official reports of UN personnel," added Col. Levy. "The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and of the Gaza CLA understands the importance of international organizations work in Gaza and maintains close, continuous contact with them on a daily basis to provide the best response to their needs."