Humanitarian organisations in Gaza today called for full and unrestricted access for spare parts and materials which are critically needed to restore water and sanitation services.

As a result of the near complete closure of Gaza’s crossings since June 2007, equipment and supplies needed for the construction, maintenance and operation of water and sanitation facilities have been denied entry to the Gaza Strip, leading to the gradual breakdown of these essential services.

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, Mr Maxwell Gaylard, joined with the Association for International Development Agencies (AIDA), of which ActionAid is a member, in calling for the opening of crossings so that essential materials can enter Gaza.

ActionAid's Gaza Emergency Program Manager, Richard Sandison (based in Gaza) said: “ActionAid's ability to effectively support communities in Gaza is hampered while people's access to clean water and sanitation services is limited. ActionAid's livelihood recovery programmes, predominantly in the agricultural sector, are severely restricted while farmers do not have sufficient water and people are unable to grow adequate food supplies and source clean water for consumption.

"Up to 60 per cent of the people and communities with which ActionAid works are in the agricultural sector. They are struggling to grow essential crops and vegetables and raise livestock for consumption and income. The social and economic recovery of Gaza is an illusion without clean and safe water and sanitation services.”

List of signatories

Statement in English

Statement in Arabic

Statement in Hebrew