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

#Occupied Palestinian Territory
OCHA reports that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to scale up critical support for those in need across the Gaza Strip.
Today, 339 trucks entered Gaza, according to information obtained by the UN on the ground through interactions with the Israeli authorities and the guarantors for the ceasefire deal.
Distributions of food assistance are ongoing, and partners report that as of yesterday, more than 200,000 food parcels have been dispatched to more than 130 distribution points since the ceasefire took hold six days ago.
In North Gaza governorate, humanitarian organizations are providing food parcels and wheat flour to families in parts of Jabalya that had been besieged for more than three months. For its part, UNICEF has reached 5,000 people in Jabalya with water trucking and distributed hygiene and cleaning kits. Partners report that hundreds of residents who had been displaced to Gaza city are now returning to North Gaza governorate.
In Deir al Balah and Khan Younis – in central and southern Gaza – the UN and its partners carried out a rapid assessment in 13 makeshift displacement sites yesterday. The team noted that to date, few people sheltering at these sites have left, though many reported plans to move north to Gaza governorate.
People in these sites reported that over the past week they have received some assistance, including food, shelter, drinking water, cash assistance, water and sanitation services, and other essential items.
They reported that they are still in need of more water for drinking and domestic use, mats, blankets, clothing, hygiene kits, food and cash support.
Starting next week, humanitarians expect to see significant population movements between southern and northern Gaza. The UN and its partners are working to meet the needs of displaced families wherever they relocate.
In the West Bank, OCHA warns that the situation there continues to deteriorate. The ongoing operation by Israeli forces in Jenin and Jenin Refugee Camp – now in its fourth day – has expanded to nearby villages. OCHA warns once again that lethal, war-like tactics are being applied, raising concerns over use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards.
In Jenin refugee camp, it is estimated that 3,000 families have left over the past two months, including several hundred in the past week alone.
Alongside the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, OCHA is mobilizing partners to monitor needs and prepare the humanitarian response. With the facilitation of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, the parties have been coordinating the evacuation of trapped civilians and wounded persons. In line with international humanitarian law, the injured must be evacuated and receive medical care, and civilians allowed to move to safer areas.
Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to protect Palestinians and maintain public order and safety in the West Bank in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law.
Meanwhile, OCHA has documented a surge in Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians and their property over the past week. At least 17 Palestinians were injured, and multiple structures, including homes, were damaged.
OCHA reports that over the past week, in the Qalqiliya governorate, hundreds of settlers arrived in buses and raided the villages of Jinsafut, Al Funduq and Hajja – setting fire to houses and other structures, as well as vehicles. On 19 January, in Ramallah governorate, hundreds of settlers raided three towns, set homes on fire and damaged property.
Across the West Bank, Israeli restrictions on access and movement have intensified over the past week. These include road closures, prolonged delays at checkpoints, and the installation of new gates at village entrances.
Several villages and communities across the West Bank have been cut off from the main cities, hampering Palestinians’ daily movements and leaving them unable to access essential services, such as emergency healthcare and education.
Earlier this week, hundreds of Palestinians were caught at checkpoints surrounding Nablus, with some reportedly spending over 10 hours and even sleeping at the checkpoints, waiting to return home.
#Democratic Republic of the Congo
OCHA reports that clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group have led to significant new displacement of civilians in and around Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The security situation remains highly volatile. Since the beginning of January, more than 35,000 people fleeing violence in Masisi have sought refuge in displacement sites in Goma.
Shelling in areas where displaced people are sheltering on the outskirts of Goma, including Mugunga, Bulengo, and Lushagala, has caused people to flee toward the city.
This latest escalation follows intense fighting in Minova in South Kivu, three days ago, which displaced thousands of people. Humanitarian access to the area remains restricted due to the ongoing insecurity.
The situation in Goma is dire, with the territory of Goma and neighbouring Nyiragongo territory already hosting more than 700,000 displaced people. OCHA warns that the recent surge in violence will only aggravate an already critical humanitarian situation, further increasing the suffering of thousands of men, women, and children who are experiencing displacement and inhumane conditions.
Humanitarian partners are also concerned about the increasing numbers of wounded people arriving in already-overwhelmed health facilities.
The humanitarian community calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and allow unhindered and safe access to humanitarian assistance.
#Nigeria
The UN and its humanitarian partners launched the 2025 response plan yesterday in Abuja, Nigeria, calling for US$910 million.
The plan will focus on the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, where conflict, climate shocks and economic instability are exacting a heavy toll on civilians.
This year’s plan aims to reach 3.6 million people in the north-east with health services, food, water, sanitation and hygiene, nutrition for children, protection, education, and other vital support.