In brief
UN humanitarian partners report that Gaza’s latest airstrikes damaged a UN warehouse and left about 100 families without tents or belongings, while in the West Bank, Israeli forces have kept around 3,000 people displaced in Hebron. The United Nations urges unhindered humanitarian access and calls for the protection of civilians, citing severe shortages of medical supplies and worsening health conditions.
UN humanitarian agencies said on Thursday that a recent wave of airstrikes in Gaza’s Khan Younis has damaged a United Nations warehouse, yet no staff were injured. The incident left about 100 Palestinian families losing tents and other belongings, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
In West Bank, OCHA noted that Israeli forces continue to operate in the city of Hebron, blocking movement and enforcing tight restrictions that have prevented roughly 3,000 Palestinians from returning to two neighborhoods. The restrictions are disrupting access to livelihoods, education, and health services, and the displaced families are largely staying with relatives, aided by local authorities and humanitarian partners.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said acute respiratory infections remain the leading health issue in Gaza, with viral meningitis cases over 200 and bacterial meningitis over 70 in the past year. "Health partners say that overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments continue to heighten transmission risks," OCHA reported.
OCHA called on all parties to uphold obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel. The agency underscored the urgent need for unrestricted access to humanitarian supplies, specialized equipment, engine oil, spare parts, and other critical items, and for additional funding from UN member states to support aid efforts.
Local authorities in Hebron and humanitarian partners have been providing support to the displaced families, offering temporary shelter and essential assistance to help them cope while waiting for a voluntary return. OCHA emphasized that those displaced must be allowed to return freely and that the international community must continue to press for cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians on both sides of the conflict.
