Today's top news: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ukraine

#Democratic Republic of the Congo

New clashes trigger new displacements

OCHA reports that new clashes in Lubero territory, in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, triggered new displacement to the city of Butembo between 17 February and yesterday.

In Masisi territory, also in North Kivu, two people – including a humanitarian worker – were injured yesterday when gunfire hit humanitarian facilities in Masisi centre.

The UN urges all parties to the conflict to protect humanitarian and healthcare facilities, ensuring the safety of patients, medical staff and humanitarian workers.

Since the start of the year, more than 100,000 people have fled fighting in the Masisi area, seeking safe shelter in neighbouring areas, including Nyabiondo and Kasebere villages.

As of yesterday, humanitarian partners reported that about 96 per cent of the former residents of more than a dozen displacement sites in and around Goma have left.

A mid-February assessment by OCHA and humanitarian partners found that more than 51,000 people have returned to their villages in Nyiragongo territory, with at least 40 per cent of them reporting their homes or fields occupied by other people. This situation raises potential community tensions and conflicts over land.

Health partners warn of a worsening cholera outbreak, with 420 cases and one death reported between 3 and 15 February in and around Goma – accounting for over one third of the nearly 1,300 cholera cases recorded across North Kivu since January.

Humanitarian partners have raised concerns that ongoing clashes in Uvira, South Kivu are hindering access – including the movement of ambulances – while hospitals report daily casualties among civilians.

Health partners warn of severe security risks for medical teams and supply delivery, highlighting the urgent need for safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

Meanwhile, fighting in Kalehe territory has forced more than 50,000 people to flee over the past week, many to Burundi. Since February, more than 40,000 Congolese nationals – the majority women and children – have arrived in Burundi seeking international protection, according to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.

Nearly 80 per cent of homes and public facilities in Kalehe centre were destroyed due to fighting between 5 and 14 February, while at least seven humanitarian offices and facilities, as well as public buildings, were looted, vandalized or hit by artillery.

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

138,000 people have received cash assistance since ceasefire

OCHA reports that aid operations in Gaza continue to reach Palestinians from north to south with critical assistance, including cash.

Since the ceasefire, some 138,000 people across Gaza have benefited from cash assistance, including people with disabilities, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

UNICEF notes that since the ceasefire took effect, market conditions have improved across Gaza. Goods are reportedly less expensive, and there are more commodities available in Deir al Balah, Khan Younis, Gaza city and North Gaza.

For the first time since July, children under 5 and pregnant and breastfeeding women have a more diverse diet – consuming more fruit, vegetables, eggs and dairy products.

Meanwhile, the UN and partners continue to provide shelter support to Palestinians in Gaza, with UNRWA distributing tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses, clothes and kitchen items to thousands of families hosted in 120 shelters across the Strip.

In the West Bank, OCHA remains concerned by Israeli forces’ ongoing operations in the north – the longest there since the early 2000s.

Casualties, destruction and displacement continue to be reported.

OCHA warns that settler violence also continues. Between 11 and 17 February, OCHA documented 34 incidents – an average of almost five per day – involving settlers and resulting in casualties or property damage. In one such incident, Israeli settlers severed agricultural water pipes in Tulkarm governorate, affecting the livelihoods of a dozen Palestinian farmers.

During the same period, nearly 40 Palestinians were displaced near Al Maniya village in Bethlehem, following recurrent attacks from Israeli settlers over the past year. 

Meanwhile, access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities continue to hinder Palestinians’ movement. These constraints have hampered access to markets, workplaces and emergency services, as well as health and educational facilities.

OCHA has documented the displacement of nearly 2,300 Palestinians – including almost 1,100 children – across the West Bank since the start of 2023 due to heightened settler violence and access restrictions.

#Ukraine

30 per cent increase in civilian casualties in 2024

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, briefed the press in Geneva from Kyiv earlier today. Schmale noted that Monday, 24 February marks three years since the Russian Federation’s full-scale war on Ukraine, calling it a sombre milestone.

Schmale stressed that no child born in Ukraine since 2014 has experienced their country at peace.

In 2024, there was a 30 per cent increase in civilian casualties compared to 2023, and the humanitarian situation continue to worsen, especially in front-line areas. Thirty-six per cent of Ukraine’s population – 12.7 million people – will need humanitarian aid in 2025.

Winter is making everything more dangerous, with attacks on energy infrastructure leaving hospitals and homes without electricity and heating during the coldest months of the year. Schmale also highlighted that the continuous attacks have led to a hidden crisis of mental health, weakening people’s resilience.

Schmale flagged several priorities for 2025: support to the frontlines and delivering aid where it was needed most. Last year, UN agencies and local non-governmental organizations continued to deliver, with over 50 convoys bringing 580 metric tons of essential supplies to war-torn communities. This will continue in 2025.

His second priority was managing evacuations from front-line areas, where older people and those with disabilities faced immense challenges.

The third priority was working with local organizations on emergency response to strikes. More than 600 national and local groups in Ukraine are providing vital assistance right after strikes.

The fourth priority was ensuring more durable solutions for internally displaced people.

More than 10 million people remain uprooted, some 3.7 million of them displaced inside Ukraine.

In 2025, US$2.6 billion is needed to sustain assistance for six million people. Schmale urged the international community to continue being generous and not forget Ukraine.