In brief
UN agencies report about 100 Palestinian families displaced in Gaza after airstrikes and about 3,000 displaced in the West Bank's Hebron city, citing deteriorating health conditions and restricted humanitarian access. Israeli forces' movements are curtailing livelihoods and healthcare, while UN calls for civilian protection and unimpeded aid.
On Thursday, United Nations humanitarian agencies announced that airstrikes in Gaza’s Khan Younis and Israeli military maneuvers in the West Bank’s Hebron city have left a large number of Palestinians without homes or basic services.
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the past week’s reports from its safety and security partners identified an incident on Wednesday when a United Nations warehouse in Khan Younis was struck by flying debris from an airstrike, yet no UN staff were injured. OCHA added that about 100 Palestinian families lost their tents and belongings in a series of airstrikes, fires, and other incidents, and that humanitarian partners are supplying aid through a rapid‑response process.
OCHA’s spokesperson stated,
Partners report that over the past week, about 100 Palestinian families lost their tents and other belongings in airstrikes, fires, and other incidents,
He further noted health risks stemming from overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments. The World Health Organization highlighted a sharp rise in acute respiratory infections, viral meningitis and probable bacterial meningitis, underscoring the need for lifted restrictions on humanitarian supplies.
OCHA added,
Health partners say that overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments continue to heighten transmission risks,
and stressed the necessity for “lifting restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies, specialized equipment, engine oil, spare parts, and other supplies” as well as for additional funding from UN member states.
In the West Bank, OCHA’s reports from the Hebron Municipality indicated that roughly 3,000 Palestinians remain displaced from two neighborhoods in the city. Israeli forces continue to operate in these areas, blocking entry and imposing tight movement restrictions across the governorate, according to OCHA. These operations hinder Palestinians’ access to livelihoods, education and healthcare services.
The office noted,
Palestinians across the West Bank must be protected,
and that displaced families should be allowed to return voluntarily and with full support. Most of those displaced are staying with relatives, receiving assistance from local authorities and humanitarian partners.
OCHA’s delegation urged all parties to “uphold their obligation to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel,” and called for unhindered humanitarian access to areas where people are most in need.
