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

#Democratic Republic of Congo

Situation in eastern DRC remains volatile

OCHA says that the security situation in Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, remains tense, despite the resumption of some activities, including the operation of commercial boats on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma.

Humanitarian partners reported widespread looting in various parts of Bukavu over the weekend, including the World Food Programme warehouse.

Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people. Humanitarian actors have resumed assessment today and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit. 

Partners in Burundi have confirmed at least 10,000 people have arrived in Burundi between 14 and 16 February from North and South Kivu provinces.

In South Kivu, Kalehe Territory, OCHA warns of widespread contamination by unexploded ordnance – a tragic incident on 16 February resulted in the deaths of two children. Immediate efforts to clear explosive hazards are critical to protect civilians.

Clashes between the Congolese armed forces and allied non-state armed groups erupted this weekend in Ruzizi and Uvira, South Kivu, killing dozens according to partners. Health facilities in the area face severe shortages of medicines and supplies to treat the injured.

Health authorities also highlighted the high risk of Mpox spreading in South Kivu, as many patients fled treatment centres.

In North Kivu, humanitarian partners report that many displaced people are still on the move in and around Goma. In recent days, multiple displacement sites, including humanitarian facilities, have been vandalized and looted. Nearly 56,000 displaced persons have relocated to 34 newly established collective centres across Goma – primarily schools, churches, and hospitals. Meanwhile, an estimated 390,000 people remain in existing displacement sites in and around the city.

Humanitarian partners also confirm severe damage to critical infrastructure: at least 80 schools and 27 health facilities were vandalized or destroyed between 26 January and 2 February, disrupting education and healthcare access. Nearly 400,000 students have been affected by the recent fighting in the city of Goma and its surroundings.

Farther north in Ituri province, armed groups raided several villages in Djugu territory, resulting in at least 78 people killed, as reported by local authorities since 8 February. The ongoing killings triggered a mass displacement, but numbers are yet to be assessed due to the current insecurity

The security situation in Djugu territory – in Ituri – has forced humanitarian partners to suspend their activities, disrupting lifesaving assistance to at least 30,000 people, including healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, education, protection, and food assistance.

#Sudan

UN relief chief welcomes continued use of Adre crossing from Chad

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, welcomed the recent decision by the Sudanese authorities to keep the Adre crossing from Chad to Darfur open for humanitarian movements.

In a social media post today, Fletcher stressed that this cross-border route is a lifeline for millions.

OCHA alarmed by impact of violence in Sudan’s White Nile and North Darfur states

OCHA is alarmed by reports of large-scale violence in different parts of Sudan.

More than 150 people were reportedly killed in an attack on El Qutainah town, in White Nile state, on Sunday. There were reports that dozens of women were raped, and hundreds of families were forced to flee.

Meanwhile in North Darfur, OCHA warns that civilians in and around the Zamzam displacement camp continue to face grave threats to their safety due to the ongoing fighting.

At least 17 civilians were reportedly killed, according to initial estimates – with many more wounded – in the latest attack yesterday. Shelling reportedly destroyed parts of the main market in Zamzam, which is the primary source of supplies for residents in the camp.

Following the escalation of hostilities in North Darfur’s capital Al Fasher and surrounding areas, people have been seeking safety and shelter in Ad Dabbah, in Northern state. State authorities report that more than 3,100 people from North Darfur – mostly older people, wounded, and others with chronic diseases – have arrived in Ad Dabbah in less than two months.

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

Gaza: UN and partners scale up food support

OCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver life-saving assistance across the Gaza Strip, including food assistance.

Since the ceasefire, more than 57,000 metric tons of food have been brought into Gaza, and distribution of that assistance is ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Food and Agriculture Organization has provided over 550 metric tons of animal feed to more than 2,000 families with livestock in Gaza.

In the north, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East says it distributed about 2,500 tents over the last two days.

Farther south in Khan Younis, partners working to support water, sanitation and hygiene finished rehabilitating three desalination plants on Sunday – providing some 76,000 people with access to water.

Across the Gaza Strip, 10 field laboratories are actively managing water quality, providing critical support for public health.

Meanwhile, the UN and its partners continue to support primary and secondary healthcare services. More than 200,000 patients benefit from these services every week.

West Bank: Casualties, displacement in Jenin and Tulkarm

OCHA says casualties continue to be reported due to ongoing operations by Israeli forces in Tulkarm and Jenin, in the West Bank. Today, a child died due to injuries sustained in an air strike in Jenin almost two weeks ago.

In the Tulkarm refugee camp, Israeli authorities reportedly announced that over a dozen houses are to be demolished.

OCHA reports that Palestinians continue to be displaced on a large scale due to operations by Israeli forces, as well as by home demolitions and movement restrictions. This further deepens their humanitarian needs.