Palestine Situation Report #14 - January 2024

The humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories remains dire, despite a temporary ceasefire that began on 19 January 2025. Gaza has witnessed mass destruction, with satellite data indicating that 60 per cent of buildings, including 92 per cent of homes and 88 per cent of schools, have been damaged or destroyed. An estimated 1.9 million people — 90 per cent of Gaza’s population — remain internally displaced, facing severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and healthcare. The health system is collapsing, with only 18 out of 36 hospitals and 57 out of 142 primary healthcare centres partially operational. Additionally, the crisis in the West Bank is intensifying due to escalating military operations, settler violence, and movement restrictions, which have left thousands displaced and without access to essential services.

In response, UNFPA has scaled up its humanitarian operations, delivering life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services. In January alone, UNFPA provided SRH services to over 66,500 people, supplied essential medical equipment, and supported 12 hospitals and containerised maternal health units in Gaza. GBV interventions reached more than 33,000 individuals through dignity kits, safe spaces, and risk mitigation efforts. Additionally, over 4,300 adolescents and youth were supported through education, mental health, and recreational programmes. UNFPA has also led coordination efforts for GBV and SRH services, ensuring that aid reaches those in urgent need, despite logistical and security challenges.

To sustain and expand its humanitarian operations, UNFPA is appealing for US$99.2 million as part of the 2025 Occupied Palestinian Territory Flash Appeal. These funds will support critical SRH services, GBV response initiatives, and youth programmes across both Gaza and the West Bank. The potential ban on UNRWA operations, set to take effect from 30 January 2025, further threatens access to essential healthcare, particularly for women and girls. Without adequate funding, the situation could deteriorate further, leaving millions without vital services. UNFPA extends gratitude to its donors and partners whose support remains crucial in addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis.