A/HRC/13/55 that the aquifer is likely to collapse if action is not taken urgently. UNEP is preparing a technical paper on the long-term solutions required to address groundwater issues in Gaza. I. Action by the international community and responsible Palestinian authorities 82. In paragraph 1976 (a) of its report, the Mission recommended to the international community and responsible Palestinian authorities that “appropriate mechanisms should be established to ensure that the funds pledged by international donors for reconstruction activities in the Gaza Strip are smoothly and effectively disbursed, and urgently put to use for the benefit of the population of Gaza.” 83. To date, no mechanism has been established to track commitments against the US$ 4.2 billion pledged by international donors at the Gaza reconstruction conference held in Sharm el-Sheikh in March 2009. The low commitments against the US$ 4.2 billion pledged may be attributable to the ongoing closures of Gaza. Notwithstanding this, some donor funding is reaching Gaza via budget and programme support to the Palestinian Authority (a significant portion of which goes to Gaza) and direct project support for various projects in Gaza. UNRWA reports that it has received US$ 100 million to support reconstruction activities, although it notes that it is not possible to undertake such activities due to continuing restrictions on the import of reconstruction materials. 84. In paragraph 1976 (b) of its report, the Mission recommended that, “in view of the consequences of the military operations, . . . responsible Palestinian authorities as well as international aid providers should pay special attention to the needs of persons with disabilities. In addition, the Mission recommends that medical follow-up should be ensured by relevant international and Palestinian structures with regard to patients who suffered amputations or were otherwise injured by munitions, the nature of which has not been clarified, in order to monitor any possible long-term impact on their health. Financial and technical assistance should be provided to ensure adequate medical follow-up to Palestinian patients.” 85. It is reported that the Ministry of Social Affairs of the de facto authorities in Gaza recently established a department to provided support for persons with disabilities.25 OHCHR is not aware of any further action taken by responsible Palestinian authorities or Palestinian structures, in response to the recommendation contained in paragraph 1976 (b) of the Mission’s report. 86. WHO reports that approximately 70 NGOs have been working in support of persons with disabilities. Substantial numbers of traumatic disabilities resulted from the Gaza conflict, including at least 221 amputees. Many seriously injured persons were transferred abroad during or immediately after the conflict to receive care. At the same time, a number of surgeons from abroad came to Gaza after the end of the conflict to assist in carrying out surgical corrective programmes. International NGOs, such as Médecins sans Frontières, continue to provide specialized support and post-operative care, while the local production of prostheses by the Artificial Limb and Polio Centre has doubled, thanks to support from the international humanitarian community. 87. UNRWA’s effort to assist persons with disabilities includes the provision of cash assistance to 76 individuals; the inclusion of 21 disabled persons in training opportunities abroad; supporting six community-based rehabilitation centres with technical expertise and human resource assistance (134 short-term workers); special educational services for 822 25 Information received from National Society for Rehabilitation on 17 January 2010. 15