.: GAZZELLA :.

PMRS update / August 6^th, 2014 14:00

Second day of the 72 hours ceasefire

For the second day in a row, the streets are too busy and crowded. People felt a bit safe and have come out; some to get much needed supplies, while others returned to where they used to live in order to check the damage incurred by their homes. Many people who are displaced at the moment may not be able to recognize their homes in light of the mass destruction. Those will continue to be displaced even after the end of the Israeli offensive and will have no place to go back to.

And while Palestinians are hopeful that this lull will in the upcoming few hours be transformed into long term calm, indirect negotiations regarding an agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides have not yielded any progress yet.

The Gaza Strip is one of the most densely populated areas in the world with more than 5000 people per square kilometer. Finding new homes for the displaced is going to be a difficult task. It is still not clear howthe ministry of works and housing is going to be able to accommodate the displaced especially in light of the huge numbers.

Checking the damage to PMRS centers

Our teams went to check on PMRS centers, and we found that three of our centers have sustained some damage.

1. Ezbat Beit Hanoun sustained damage due to direct bombardment against the second floor and theft in the first floor.
2. PMRS rehabilitation center in BaniSuhaila, east of Khan younes has also been damaged due to nearby bombardment.
3. PMRS clinic in Abu Tauema due to direct bombardment against the second floor .

PMRS teams in the field

PMRS has so far mobilized a number of teams to visit shelters. They provide various services including medical checkups and treatment, dressing for the injured, rehabilitation services. The teams distribute first aid kits, hygiene kits, dressing kits, assistive devices, and community assistance of non-food items.