Palestine

13 November 2024

On 8 November 2024, the IPC warned of a strong likelihood of famine befalling areas of northern Gaza Strip and indicated a likely deterioration from the September–October period, when the whole Gazan population was projected to face Emergency (IPC Phase 4) or worse food insecurity, 133,000 of whom would face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels. Drivers of the rapid deterioration in food insecurity include the intensification of hostilities since 6 October, with Israel issuing repeated evacuation orders across northern Gaza. Food availability across Gaza Strip has sharply declined, with aid shipments reaching their lowest levels since October 2023. Between August–September 2024, food access in Gaza notably deteriorated, with food prices rising by 77% and the Consumer Price Index increasing by 283% compared with pre-crisis levels. Black market prices for essentials, such as cooking gas and diesel, soared by over 2,600% and 1,300%, respectively. (IPC 08/11/2024, UN 08/11/2024, The Guardian 09/11/2024)

14 October 2024

On 14 October 2024, Israeli air strikes on Al Aqsa Hospital complex in central Gaza caused a fire in a tented camp housing displaced Palestinians. The attack trapped people in the fire, killing four and injuring 40, according to hospital records. Israeli forces have repeatedly targeted hospitals and health facilities in Gaza since October 2023. Between 7 October 2023 and 25 September 2024, the Israeli military operation resulted in more than 516 attacks on the health sector, affecting 110 health facilities and damaging 32 hospitals. The attacks also affected 115 ambulances, with 63 sustaining damage. By 25 September 2024, 19 of the 36 hospitals in Gaza were out of service, while the remaining 17 were partially functional and unable to provide full services as normal. (OCHA 02/10/2024, WHO 30/09/2024, AJ 14/10/2024)

04 September 2024

Until 28 August 2024, an Israeli military operation had been underway in northern West Bank since 4 August, particularly affecting Jenin, Qalqiliya, Tubas, and Tulkarem, leading to displacement, humanitarian needs, fatalities, and injuries. Israel has employed armoured bulldozers and heavy machinery, extensively destroying infrastructure, including water, sewage, and electricity systems, especially in El Far’a refugee camp, Jenin refugee camp and city, and Tulkarem city. The Israeli siege and military operation in Jenin city have affected Palestinians' access to food, water, and electricity. Jenin municipality reports that approximately 70% of the city's streets and 20km of its water and sewage networks have been bulldozed. In Jenin refugee camp, which houses 20,000 residents, the siege has left 80% of the camp without water access. Some of the urgent humanitarian needs include shelter, WASH, and mental health and psychological support services. (OCHA 03/09/2024, UNRWA 30/08/2024, AA 01/09/2024)

28 August 2024

On 25 August 2024, Israel issued an evacuation order for Deir al-Balah town, which was hosting the operations of the UN's main command for the Gaza Strip. The evacuation order has displaced around 250,000 Palestinians, including UN and NGO staff, severely disrupting aid operations in Gaza. It has also affected key facilities, including warehouses, clinics, and a water desalination plant. Al-Aqsa Hospital, one of Gaza's last partially functioning hospitals, has emptied out owing to safety concerns stemming from its proximity to the evacuation order area. Currently, only 11% of Gaza remains free from evacuation orders. (AJ 26/08/2024, AP 26/08/2024, OCHA 26/08/2024)

12 August 2024

On 10 August 2024, the Israeli military struck Al Tabi’een School in Gaza, a shelter for IDPs, resulting in approximately 90 deaths, including children. Since 4 July, Israel has struck around 21 schools serving as shelters in Gaza, leading to at least 274 fatalities. In the past ten months, Israel has hit more than half of all schools used as shelters in Gaza. (OCHA 12/08/2024, UN SC 13/08/2024, AJ 14/08/2024)

07 August 2024

In July 2024, northern Gaza saw a sharp rise in severe acute malnutrition among children, with 25 cases admitted to Kamal Adwan Hospital's stabilisation centre. This figure surpasses the 27 cases reported in May and June combined. Access constraints by Israel and its military operation in Gaza are driving this surge, resulting in shortages of essential nutrition supplies and fresh produce, as well as poor water and sanitation services. (OCHA 05/08/2024)

24 July 2024

On 19 July 2024, the Palestinian Ministry of Health and WHO reported the presence of poliovirus type 2 in sewage samples in Gaza. Polio is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause general symptoms, such as fever and vomiting. In some cases, the disease attacks the nervous system, causing meningitis and paralysis within hours. The risk of the disease spreading is high given the conflict impacts on the health and WASH sectors. The Israeli military operation has destroyed more than 60% of WASH facilities in Gaza and rendered more than half of its hospitals out of service, with the remaining being only partially functional. Israel is also limiting the entry of fuel, electricity, spare parts, medical supplies, and chlorine. At the same time, repeated population displacements and an overwhelmed healthcare system since 7 October have decreased overall vaccination coverage, including for polio, further heightening the risk of the disease spreading. (OCHA 19/07/2024, PAX 18/07/2024, UNICEF 19/07/2024)