Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Egypt, Lebanon, Somalia

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

OCHA reports that recent winter storms in Gaza have destroyed at least five child-friendly safe spaces in Khan Younis and the Middle Area. This will significantly impact the provision of community-based mental health and psychosocial support activities.

The storms also destroyed the Jabalya women and girls' safe space, the largest such site in northern Gaza, serving nearly 500 women and girls each month.

The UN and its partners continue to observe movement across the Netzarim corridor in both directions as people return to their neighbourhoods. At the same time, humanitarians in Gaza continue to re-establish their presence in newly accessible areas across the Strip.

Today, 783 trucks entered Gaza, while 942 crossed into the Strip on Sunday, according to information obtained by the UN on the ground through interactions with the Israeli authorities and the guarantors for the ceasefire deal.

Partners report that since the start of the ceasefire, more than 1.5 million people have received food parcels across Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) has distributed food parcels, hot meals and cash to more than 860,000 people since the ceasefire took effect. As community kitchens open in new areas, partners are providing more meals.

Meanwhile, work continues to repair water wells across Gaza. However, the widespread destruction of infrastructure and shortages of spare parts, generators and solar panels are affecting efforts to boost water production.

Nearly 60 health partners provide primary and secondary health services across the Gaza Strip, ensuring access to essential care. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has distributed sexual and reproductive health supplies, expected to benefit more than 65,000 people in Gaza over the next three weeks.

With support from UNFPA, another health partner has opened three temporary primary healthcare centres in Gaza and a temporary medical point in Jabalya.

Also yesterday, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) completed the transfer of a fully equipped field hospital to Gaza that will provide surgery, neonatal care, intensive care, radiology and emergency services. On Saturday, PRCS also resumed medical services at its primary health care clinic in Rafah.

Meanwhile in the West Bank, OCHA reports that ongoing operations by Israeli forces in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas continue to cause civilian casualties, with at least 40 people reportedly killed since the beginning of the operations on 21 January.

Yesterday, Israeli forces concluded a six-day operation in Tammun, in Tubas governorate. There were reports of homes destroyed and significant damage to infrastructure, as well as water shortages. Meanwhile, operations in the El Far’a refugee camp in Tubas have intensified. More than 300 families have reportedly been displaced.

The UN and partners continue to support Palestinians affected by the ongoing operation in Jenin, which continues to drive displacement. WFP and its partners have reached nearly 1,200 households with cash assistance.

#Egypt

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, was in Egypt this weekend, following his travels to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory last week. 

While in Cairo, he met with the Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Hossam Zaki, to discuss the crises facing the region and the need for bold, creative responses. 

Fletcher also held meetings with Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Moursy, as well as the head of the Egyptian Red Crescent, Dr. Amal Emam.

#Lebanon

OCHA says that the humanitarian situation in Lebanon remains precarious due to ongoing military operations, sustained displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure, affecting displaced communities across the country.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 90,000 people are still displaced in the country. More than 890,000 are back in their communities of origin but are facing damaged homes and challenges to access services.

The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to assist displaced and returning families with essential aid, including shelter and healthcare support, food, hygiene kits, and winter assistance.

The humanitarian community remains concerned about protection risks, particularly for those returning to heavily impacted areas where unexploded ordnance, collapsed structures, and damaged water and sanitation systems pose additional threats.

#Somalia

OCHA warns that drought conditions are looming in several areas of Somalia due to prolonged extreme dry conditions, with hundreds of thousands of families likely to be affected.

Water sources are drying up, and pastoralists are abandoning their homes in search of water and pasture. In areas where people rely on commercial water supplies, prices have risen to unaffordable levels for many families.

Already, 4.4 million people in Somalia are facing high levels of food insecurity – with conditions projected to worsen, as the April to June rainy season is forecast to start late and fall below normal levels.

Somalia faces a protracted crisis fueled by conflict, poverty, widespread displacement, climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and lack of access to basic services.

This year, about one-third of the population – nearly 6 million people – are estimated to need humanitarian assistance. Women, girls, and marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable.

The UN and its partners took early action late last year in areas facing expected poor rains, including with support from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund and the Central Emergency Response Fund. However, resources remain limited. This year’s US$1.42 billion humanitarian appeal for Somalia – which aims to reach 4.6 million people with critical support – is just 12 per cent funded, with less than $177 million received to date.