Translated from Al-Quds Newspaper

Saturday, 8 July 2006. Page 7

Jerusalem- From Zaki Abu El-Halaweh. CARE International in the Palestinian territories warned that public institutions and non-government organizations working in the West Bank and Gaza are struggling to provide water, sanitation, food, health and social assistance in the Gaza Strip.

The international organization said recent destruction of essential infrastructure compounds the difficulties faced by thousands of Palestinians who are suffering from harsh economic conditions for months.

CARE said that of immediate concern is the impact of fuel and power shortages on access to water, disposal of sewage, and maintenance of emergency health services. Of longer term concern, CARE said, is the sharp decline in social protection of civilians and the psychological trauma of conflict on the civilian population, especially children.

CARE called upon all parties to actively support a resolution of the current crisis through peaceful means, and to ensure humanitarian access for Palestinian civilians living in Gaza to realize their critical needs. This requires that donors and the authorities on both sides facilitate access for humanitarian agencies by reducing burdensome restrictions and conditionality on assistance programs.