CARE: 89% of Respondents in Gaza Say They Have Received No Humanitarian Aid

Reuters, January 21, 2009 - In one of the first rapid assessments of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, a shocking 89 percent of respondents to a CARE survey indicated that they have not received any humanitarian assistance since the conflict started Dec. 27. This is a clear indication that more aid and humanitarian workers are desperately needed in Gaza, and that borders must be fully opened to allow humanitarian supplies, building materials, and commercial goods into the region, says CARE International.

CARE, in partnership with Alpha International surveying firm, conducted a three-day phone survey of families in Gaza to gather basic data on the humanitarian needs; status of electricity, water and sewage systems; impact of cash, food and medicine shortages; psychological impact on children; and the condition of displaced people sheltering with families or neighbours. The key findings of the survey are at the link.