MAG Responds to Gaza Crisis
13.02.2009
MAG's emergency response project for Gaza is contributing to the post-conflict reconstruction efforts by ensuring as safe an environment as possible for the local population and development agencies.
Latest activities (7-13 February)
MAG staff undertook nine tasks during the week including assessment of schools, buildings and agricultural land
In Gaza City a Hellfire Nitro tank was removed after a report was received from Oxfam
UNRWA reported an item at Tal el Hawa School on assessment MAG's Technical staff identified wedges of smoke generating incendiary (white phosphorous) projectiles. These were immediately removed and stored safely
A reconnaissance visit was completed before removing the nose cone of an air dropped High Explosive (HE) bomb. After which the MAG technical team verified the absence of a nose fuse on the bomb, which indicated that it is safe to transport. The technical team also completed a visual search around the building on request of the owner during which no further items were identified
An item of UXO was identified after MAG responded to a request from ICRC The item is approximately six metres below the surface and in an orange grove. The location was marked and the item will moved at a later date when appropriate equipment is available
MAG Technical staff conducted a number of assessments in and around several houses and buildings, verifying that they were safe to enter with no contamination by UXOArrangements for a MAG office and staff accommodation were completed and an office has been established
The following MAG personnel are now working on the project:
Technical Director who is the Operations Manager for the project
Seven UXO technicians
One qualified paramedic
Programme Officer
One Community Liaison Manager and one UXO technician are also due to arrive in Jerusalem on 15 February
MAG would like to express its gratitude to the following donors for supporting to the Gaza emergency response project: Department for International Development (UK); United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).
The above is taken directly from the MAG website. To find out more about MAG's work please visit their website:
www.maginternational.org
