Today's top news: Afghanistan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Niger
#Afghanistan
UN relief wing warns stepped-up fighting puts civilians’ lives at risk
OCHA is voicing concern over the impact of attacks, including a reported incident at a transit and reception center at the Torkham border crossing in the east.
The UN continues to call on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular, to ensure the protection of civilians – including aid workers – and civilian infrastructure.
Years of conflict, poverty and natural disasters, such as drought and earthquakes, have left nearly half the population – almost 22 million people – in need of humanitarian aid. This number will only increase if fighting escalates.
The UN and humanitarian partners are monitoring the situation closely and will continue to support wherever possible.
But to do this, more funding is needed. To date, 11 per cent – or $181 million – of the $1.7 billion needed for this year’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan has been received.
#Occupied Palestinian Territory
UN, partners rush in aid despite blockages
The UN and its partners continue to provide aid in the face of continued impediments.
This month, and as of Monday, partners working on food security have distributed food rations to about 200,000 families – or nearly one million people. In addition, more than 1.7 million meals have been prepared in more than 180 community kitchens across the Strip, and free bread has been delivered to more than 400 shelters and displacement sites.
However, food rations have been cut by half in February, largely because there are note enough supplies in Gaza. Around two-thirds of the aid trucks coming through the Egypt corridor were sent back this month.
Inside Gaza, coordinated humanitarian movements with the Israeli authorities also continue. Of ten missions planned yesterday, four were facilitated – including the collection of fuel, tents and baby kits from the Kerem Shalom crossing. Five missions were impeded, and a request to assess a water, sanitation and hygiene facility in North Gaza was denied.
On the health front, humanitarians say they continue to see more people living with disabilities. Many have received amputations, while some have suffered spinal cord and brain trauma. Hundreds of people have received traumatic injuries since the ceasefire.
Under an already fragile health system, these patients face challenges, especially since the entry of prosthetics and other essential assistive devices remains heavily restricted.
The UN and partners continue to call for impediments to be lifted so they can scale up assistance.
Meanwhile, this week, partners provided mental health and psychosocial support to more than 10,000 people – this includes women and children, as well as caregivers and front-line workers. Humanitarians have also opened safe spaces offering psychosocial support, mental health care, and essential daily items – including menstrual hygiene supplies – in Gaza city, Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. Overall, more than 60 such spaces are now operational.
*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support.
#Sudan
UN seeks $3 billion for world’s largest humanitarian crisis
OCHA says that more than 1,000 days of conflict have pushed humanitarian needs to extraordinary levels in the country, with nearly 34 million people needing aid in 2026 – the highest number anywhere in the world.
This year, the humanitarian community is calling for $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people facing the most catastrophic needs. This funding will provide food, clean water, nutrition, health, protection and education, among other support.
Aid workers must be able to carry out their work free from threats and obstructions.
Humanitarians continue to be attacked, with 92 aid workers – the majority being Sudanese – being killed, injured, kidnapped or detained. More than 65 attacks on healthcare workers and patients were recorded.
To deliver humanitarian aid at scale, humanitarians urgently need flexible funding – as well as rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.
*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in need in Sudan with urgent support.
#Niger
UN calls for $674 million to support most vulnerable communities across Niger
The UN and humanitarian partners – in support of the Government – released this year’s Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which calls for $674 million to support 2 million people.
Insecurity, forced displacement and climate shocks have left 3 million people in need of humanitarian aid across the country.
This year’s plan will focus on civilians living in the most affected regions of Niger, where humanitarian needs are most acute.