Escalating Violence in the West Bank and Gaza: UN Agencies Express Alarm
Rising Tensions and Devastation in the West Bank
Recent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants have led to intense exchanges of fire and the deployment of bulldozers in refugee camps for the first time in two decades. These actions have destroyed critical public infrastructure, including electricity and water networks.
On Sunday, Israel’s Defense Minister stated that Israeli forces might remain in the affected areas for the “coming year.”
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestine refugee agency (UNRWA), described a harrowing situation, saying that “fear, uncertainty, and grief once again prevail.” He highlighted that many camps are now in ruins and emphasized the widespread destruction of public infrastructure, bulldozing of roads, and movement restrictions.
According to UNRWA, more than 50 people, including children, have been killed since Israeli military operations began five weeks ago. The agency warned that the West Bank is becoming a battlefield, with ordinary Palestinians bearing the brunt of the violence.
Use of Lethal Force
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has condemned the “lethal, war-like tactics” employed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank.
Following a two-day Israeli military raid in the northern town of Qabatiya in Jenin governorate, OCHA confirmed ongoing casualties and mass displacement. During the operation, several Palestinians were detained. OCHA reiterated concerns over excessive force against civilians and the growing humanitarian needs of those left homeless.
Humanitarian Response
Despite increasing “physical and administrative” barriers, UN agencies and humanitarian partners are striving to assist displaced people.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that in January, it provided cash assistance to 190,000 people and offered one-time financial support to over 5,000 displaced individuals from the Jenin refugee camp.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
In Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire as UN agencies work to provide food and livelihood support. Tragically, six children reportedly died from the cold in recent days.
The coastal enclave continues to suffer from 15 months of relentless Israeli airstrikes, triggered by Hamas-led attacks on Israel that resulted in 1,200 fatalities and around 250 hostages.
Citing Gazan health authorities, OCHA reported that the total number of children who have died due to the harsh winter conditions has now reached 15.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid efforts continue. On Tuesday alone, more than 800 trucks entered Gaza, and since the ceasefire on January 19, WFP has delivered over 30,000 tonnes of food. The organization, with support from 60 community kitchens, has distributed nearly 10 million meals across Gaza, including in North Gaza and Rafah.
UNRWA, the largest aid provider in Gaza, has provided flour to 1.3 million people and distributed food parcels to nearly two million since the ceasefire.
Additionally, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) successfully delivered animal feed to northern Gaza for the first time since hostilities escalated. This initiative has supported 146 families with livestock in Gaza City and another 980 families in Deir al-Balah.
Between the ceasefire and February 21, FAO distributed over 570 metric tonnes of animal feed to 2,300 families across Gaza.
Meanwhile, UN education partners are identifying and repairing schools in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah that were used as shelters for displaced persons. “These schools will be assessed and repaired to prepare for their reopening,” OCHA stated.
As violence and humanitarian challenges persist, UN agencies continue their efforts to provide relief to affected communities in both the West Bank and Gaza.
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