Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo
#Occupied Palestinian Territory
Heavy rains compound dire conditions in Gaza
OCHA warns that heavy rains are compounding the already dire conditions that families in the Gaza Strip are enduring.
Partners report that the storm continued overnight and into today, causing severe flooding of more than 40 designated emergency shelters – mostly in Khan Younis and Gaza city.
Some displaced families sought shelter in bathrooms or temporary learning spaces after their tents were damaged. Partners’ latest estimates indicate that some 700 tents have been damaged or otherwise impacted by the flooding, with thousands of people affected.
Teams helping manage displacement sites are clearing blocked drainage channels and pumping floodwater away from shelter yards.
The onset of winter is having a devastating impact on the most vulnerable. Today, the Ministry of Health said that one baby who was admitted to hospital for treatment two days ago died yesterday of hypothermia.
In recent days – and despite ongoing challenges to the humanitarian response – the UN and its humanitarian partners have been working to address the needs of families across the Strip, despite the harsh conditions on the ground.
Yesterday, the UN and its partners coordinated nine humanitarian movements inside Gaza with the Israeli authorities. Four were facilitated and three were impeded but eventually completed. These missions allowed humanitarians to collect critical supplies from the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings – including food, fuel, blankets, tents and winter clothing. The other two missions were impeded – and only one of them was able to be partially accomplished.
In Khan Younis, damage to the Bani Suhaila Mekorot water pipeline was repaired yesterday, after access to the facility was granted by the Israeli authorities.
The UN and its partners continue to provide support to affected families through a system that was set up for a rapid, joint response to flooding alerts. It brings together UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, working side by side to distribute tents, tarpaulins, warm clothes, blankets and dignity kits across Gaza.
Last Saturday, partners providing nutrition support distributed 7.5 kilograms of high-energy biscuits per household to more than 1,000 families who were affected by the latest rainstorm in various areas.
Between Saturday and Sunday alone, partners reached 12,200 people with emergency winter support and other critical aid, such as clothing, blankets and menstrual hygiene products. They also provided cash assistance to more than 400 people. Over 1,200 people also received mental health and psychosocial services, and 450 people with disabilities accessed rehabilitation services.
Partners supporting agricultural services said that the distribution of veterinary kits resumed on Sunday, after being temporarily paused due to adverse weather. Since the start of the distribution on 9 December, some 400 herders have received these kits, along with animal fodder.
#Democratic Republic of the Congo
Violence forces suspension of aid operations in parts of South Kivu
OCHA says that following clashes in several parts of South Kivu province, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, all humanitarian activities remain suspended in the cities of Fizi and Baraka, which are some 90 kilometres from Uvira.
The latest violence has sparked panic among civilians. Partners also report some looting by armed people.
Since 8 December, local authorities estimate that some 110,000 people have fled to other parts of South Kivu, while others have crossed into Burundi. There are also reports of people continuing toward Tanzania.
Most displaced families are sheltering in public spaces with no access to humanitarian assistance.
The territory of Walungu has seen a gradual resumption of socio-economic activities, after clashes ended on 8 December in Kaziba locality.
Partners have started to deliver emergency aid in the cities of Uvira and Bukavu, with more aid planned in the coming days.*
OCHA continues to engage with all parties to facilitate the safe movement of humanitarian teams and resume aid operations.
Meanwhile in Burundi, more than 78,000 people – including asylum seekers, returnees and migrants – have crossed into the country from South Kivu since 5 December, according to the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR.
So far, about 15,000 people have been transferred to the Bweru and Makombe displacement and transition sites. All refugee camps and hosting sites have reported a sharp increase in population as new arrivals continue.
Despite considerable challenges, UNHCR and its partners have transported some 13,000 refugees to Bweru, and installed tents, latrines and water tanks. They have also worked to improve road access while clearing land for additional shelters.
Health challenges are also emerging. Dozens of cases of cholera and two cases of mpox have been reported in the Gatumba displacement site. Partners working in health are trying to contain and manage the outbreaks.
Partners continue to scale up life-saving assistance amid growing needs, limited resources, and lack of fuel.
*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support.