28th January 2008- While international attention is focusing on Gaza, the situation in the West Bank is no less desperate. Shepherd communities living in zone C (under Israeli control) in Tubas district are facing freezing temperatures and an extended period of drought with only very limited resources. This year the region had 23% less rainfall than usual with a serious effect on the pasture, the main food for sheep which are the main source of income in the region.  

“It is difficult seeing children in this difficult situation,” says Elena Bertola, ACF’s Food Security Officer in the Palestinian Territories. “They are walking bare foot on muddy ground and live in precarious shelters with leaking roofs. Families are hardly able to obtain basic food items such as bread, oil and some vegetables.” Families are unable to build more permanent shelter in this area under Israeli military control and have had no choice but to either sell some of their animals or indebt themselves to be able to buy fodder. In addition, they are living with restricted access to grazing land and under constant threat of having to leave the area.

ACF and other humanitarian organisations are trying to improve the situation and have launched an emergency operation which is being coordinated by OCHA. In 12 communities Action Against Hunger has distributed 248 stoves, more than 1,600 blankets, 8,900 liters of kerosene (sufficient for 20 families) and tarpaulins for the shelters.

“The population was relieved to receive this aid, despite it being minimal, especially considering that the response was very quick. Within just five days of carrying out a needs assessment, ACF had launched its programmes,” comments Elena.

The emergency intervention complements other ACF activities in the Palestinian Territories, including programmes to improve access to food in the West Bank, the creation of commercial links between Palestinian peasants and Israeli traders, and the rehabilitation of water points in the Gaza Strip.

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