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End of International NGO Activity in the Gaza Strip? - NGOs - Global policy Forum End of International NGO Activity in the Gaza Strip?
Association of International Development Agencies
12 May 2003
Less than 24 hours after the departure of US Secretary of State Colin Powell, and promise by the GoI to ease movement restrictions as a 'goodwill gesture', the IDF has imposed a full closure over the entire Gaza Strip (GS). Today, the COGAT Erez office has been informing international NGOs (INGOs) that they will be barred from entering the GS indefinitely. If this situation is not resolved soon, the entire INGO community will be forced to cease its operations in the GS, in the context of an already deteriorating humanitarian situation.From informal conversations with a number of NGO Heads of Mission this morning, it is clear that INGOs have reached a point where they can no longer carry out their work in the GS. As a result, some have ceased operations altogether. For those still trying to work, their staff inside the GS are too afraid to leave, if and when the closure is lifted, in case they will not be allowed back in. In the last few months, many INGOs have been spending, on average, up to 50% of their working hours either trying to gain access to project sites in the GS or, filing complaints to COGAT and the international community on their continued inability to undertake their work in any kind of consistent or effective manner.
The feeling of disempowerment and outright despondency amongst international staff is now overwhelming. It would seem that the GoI does not want to facilitate our work in the GS, and does not want an international presence there. In addition, there is no evidence, or feeling, amongst INGOs that the situation will improve in the near future, despite the recent introduction of the 'Road Map'.
Since 1st May, the entire international community has faced delays and obstructions on entry to, and exit from, the GS caused by 'new' security checks at Erez Crossing. These new measures indicate a policy change on the part of the IDF, although they have not been formally communicated by COGAT through any of the established channels that were specifically set up to provide such a liaison and communication function. In addition, their application has been sporadic and applied in an arbitrary manner. The only consistency is our continued inability to fully undertake our humanitarian and development activities in the GS.
Over the past two years, the international community has forwarded a number of letters, statements and demarches to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, and the Prime Ministers Office. To date, none have received an official response. In addition, INGOs in particular file regular reports to COGAT, but seldom receives feedback or sees changes on the ground. As COGAT does not have the authority to influence or effect change to IDF policy and planning, consequently, the INGO community has little faith in the ability of COGAT to resolve this situation.
The INGO community as a whole has not entered into formal status agreements with the Israeli authorities, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, such that might allow us to officially protest these new measures. Therefore, our ability to resist is extremely limited due to the absence of any formal channels, and accompanying legal protection. Given this, it is essential that the most senior levels of the international community bring this matter immediately to the attention of the GoI, on our behalf, by:
1) Demanding a formal explanation of this new policy from both the Prime Ministers Office, and the IDF Chief of General Staff and Southern Command.
2) Insist on a resumption of 'normal' access to the Gaza Strip, as existed before April 16, 2003, with a view to further improvements in the overall level of access.
ANNEX
Chronology of events specific to INGO movement:
Wed. 16 April: Gaza Strip closed to all Palestinians. Internationals continue to have access.
Sat. 26 April: NGOs first report 'new' security procedures at Erez Crossing; an additional (3rd) security check to Tel Aviv/GSS, resulting in longer than usual delays. COGAT Erez was not available for comment, and COGAT Tel Aviv, when contacted, claimed that they were not aware of the new policy.
Wed. 30 April: Suicide bombing at 'Mikes Place', Tel Aviv.
Thur. 1st May: International staff of INGOs begins to experience excessive delays for up to 7 hours, and questioning on their activities. Some were told that they could not enter or exit Gaza without undergoing these interviews.
Mon. 5th May: First international INGO staff member (US citizen) denied entry to GS at Erez. No reason given.
Thur. 8th May: IDF announce (through informal channels) that foreign nationals entering the Gaza Strip have to sign a waiver freeing the Israeli army from any responsibility for death or injury incurred as a result of military activity, and also effectively banning access to flashpoints or areas considered 'sensitive' (NB. A number of INGOs work in areas that potentially fall under this category).
Fri. 9th May: IDF announce 3 new security rules;
1) People holding tourist visas (B2) will not be allowed into Gaza (UN staff with service visas will be allowed in; their spouses with B2's will not).
2) Those with tourist visas wishing to enter the GS need to coordinate in advance with COGAT Erez (NB: this is in contradiction to the 'no tourist visa' policy).
3) Only diplomats will be allowed to enter and exit Gaza between 08:00-20:00.
Sat. 10th May: 6 international INGO staff (2 British, 2 American, 1 Dutch, 1 Spanish) denied entry to Gaza. All have a B1 working visa, and have been working in the GS for at least 1 year.
Mon. 12th May: 9 international INGO staff denied entry to, and exit from Gaza, including 1 Head of Mission.
Summary of important points:
INGO staff is currently denied entry, regardless of whether they have a tourist visa (B2) or a working visa (B1).
• INGOs have NOT been asked to sign the waiver/declaration since Friday. [One or two signed it on Thursday simply in order to gain entry].
• INGOs have been given mixed messages by COGAT Erez about coordinating in advance. Some have been told it is required, and have sent lists of names and passport numbers in advance. In no instances has this facilitated their access. Contrary to this, others have specifically been informed that coordinating in advance will not facilitate their access.
• INGOs continue to be informally contacted by COGAT Erez and/or the GSS asking for information on their organization, projects, staff members, funding sources etc.
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