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

Occupied Palestinian Territory

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an unprecedented point. 

UNRWA, by far the largest humanitarian provider in Gaza, warned that unless fuel is allowed into Gaza immediately, the agency will be forced to halt all operations tonight.

Hospitals are shutting down. They lack fuel, water, medical supplies and personnel. Fuel is being severely rationed and is used to run a selected number of critical facilities. The back-up generators are not designed for continuous operation and could break.

UN personnel yesterday visited hospitals. In one, they noted hundreds of wounded men, women and children. Many of them were unconscious, with open wounds, lying on beds, stretchers and on the floor, with limited medical attendance. In the yard, there was a tent with tens of dead bodies, including children. Many of the dead are kept there because the morgues are full. 

Food stocks are running out. The World Food Programme estimates that current supplies of essential food in Gaza are sufficient for about 12 days. However, the available stock in shops is expected to last only five days.

People are resorting to well water, which is extremely high in salt and poses immediate health risks. Health partners have also detected cases of chicken pox, scabies and diarrhoea due to the poor sanitation conditions and the consumption of water from unsafe sources.

The number of internally displaced people is now estimated at more than 1.4 million, including nearly 590,000 people sheltered in UNRWA-designated shelters.

More than 15 per cent of the displaced people are estimated to have disabilities, yet most shelters are not adequately equipped for their needs.

More than 40 per cent of all housing units in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed or damaged, according to local authorities.

Democratic Republic of the Congo 

Violence continues to escalate in North Kivu Province, in eastern DRC. 

On Monday, according to local sources, a new attack by an armed group in the town of Oicha, in Beni territory, killed at least 25 civilians, injured several others and forced more than 1,500 people to flee their homes. Humanitarian activities in Oicha have been suspended and humanitarian personnel have been temporarily withdrawn.

The ongoing violence in North Kivu Province has disrupted the distribution of vital food assistance intended to reach more than 25,000 displaced people and other vulnerable people across the province. 

Since early October, the violence in North Kivu has already led to the displacement of nearly 200,000 people, mainly in Masisi and Rutshuru territories.

Despite the volatile environment, humanitarian organizations remain committed to scaling up the humanitarian response. Since 15 October, 140,000 displaced people have received food assistance in Masisi territory.