Nearly 148,000 in Gaza Receive Cash Aid Amid Ceasefire
Since the ceasefire took effect on January 19, approximately 138,000 Palestinians have received cash assistance. This support has been extended to vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported improvements in Gaza’s market conditions, with goods becoming more affordable and a wider variety of commodities now available.
Improved Diet Diversity
For the first time since July, children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women have been able to diversify their diets. They now have access to more fruits, vegetables, eggs, and dairy products.
Additionally, humanitarian efforts continue in Gaza, with the UN Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA) providing vital shelter support. Thousands of families in 120 shelters have received tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, clothing, and kitchen supplies.
Ongoing West Bank Hostilities
Meanwhile, concerns persist over ongoing Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, which began on January 21. These are the longest operations in the area since the early 2000s.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), violence by Israeli settlers also remains a pressing issue. Between February 11 and 17, OCHA documented 34 incidents—an average of nearly five per day—resulting in casualties or property damage.
In one case, Israeli settlers cut agricultural water pipes in the Tulkarm governorate, affecting the livelihoods of a dozen Palestinian farmers. Additionally, in Bethlehem’s Al Maniya village, nearly 40 Palestinians were displaced following repeated settler attacks over the past year.
Movement restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities continue to hinder Palestinian access to markets, workplaces, emergency services, and essential facilities such as schools and hospitals. Since the start of 2023, OCHA has recorded the displacement of nearly 2,300 Palestinians—including 1,100 children—due to increased settler violence and movement restrictions.
Calls for the Return of Human Remains
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has expressed the Secretary-General’s deep concern over reports that the remains of an Israeli hostage in Gaza, Shiri Bibas, were not returned as planned alongside the remains of her children.
The Secretary-General emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity of the deceased and ensuring their remains are returned to their families in line with international humanitarian and human rights law.
Furthermore, he urged all parties to honor their commitments and fully implement the ceasefire and hostage release agreements with dignity and adherence to humanitarian principles.
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