Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, South Sudan, Ukraine, Syria, Madagascar

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

Humanitarian operations continue in Gaza despite constraints  

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to provide displaced families with fresh bread, hot meals and digital cash assistance. 

On the water and sanitation situation, partners report that the Mekorot water supply line from Israel, which had been operating at reduced capacity due to two identified leaks, has remained fully shut down since 10 February, as repairs near the reservoir have not been completed. To respond to this, humanitarians have been increasing water trucking to affected neighborhoods to increase people’s access to safe drinking water. 

Most sewage pumping stations across Gaza have been damaged or destroyed over the past two years of war. Humanitarians are working swiftly, wherever access is possible, to rehabilitate these facilities, which are critical to preventing sewage overflows, the contamination of drinking water, and the spread of waterborne diseases. 

In Beit Lahia, partners are assessing the Abu Obeida sewage pumping station to determine the extent of damage, the parts that require repair, and the materials and equipment needed to restore operations. 

On the health front, humanitarians report that treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other conditions continues to be affected by critical shortages of medicine and laboratory supplies. 

Last week, partners distributed emergency hemodialysis supplies, following a prolonged gap, and additional antidiabetic and antihypertensive medicines. Two new clinics for the screening of non-communicable diseases have also become operational in North Gaza, but more are needed to offer adequate care.  

The UN and its humanitarian partners reiterate that much more life-saving assistance could reach people across the Gaza Strip if the continued impediments are lifted.

#Sudan

OCHA voices concern over deteriorating humanitarian situation in North Darfur, North Kordofan

OCHA says it is deeply concerned by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in in North Darfur State and by reports of continuing drone attacks in North Kordofan State. 

In North Darfur, a water, sanitation and hygiene assessment completed earlier this month by UNICEF and their partners in displacement camps revealed alarming conditions. More than half of the people surveyed were not receiving the World Health Organization minimum daily water requirement for survival, which is 7.5 litres per person per day. More than 40 per cent of latrines were non-functional, more than 80 per cent of families lacked soap, and only 8 per cent of menstruating women and girls reported having sufficient menstrual hygiene materials. 

The locality of Tawila has become one of the largest and fastest growing displacement hubs in the Darfur region, hosting more than 715,0000 displaced people displaced by attacks on El Fasher and nearby displacement camps last year. This includes more than half a million people in four major sites just outside Tawila. 

In the north-west of North Darfur State, the continuing escalation of violence in the Tine area, on the Sudan-Chad border, also continues to force people to seek safety in eastern Chad, and to limit humanitarian access. 

In North Kordofan State, local sources report that a drone strike yesterday hit the campus of the University of Kordofan in the city of El Obeid, causing significant structural damage. Drone attacks have reportedly continued for three consecutive days in El Obeid, beginning on 20 February. Details regarding civilian casualties remain unavailable. 

Humanitarian partners are calling for rapid and flexible funding, as well as rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained access, to scale up water and sanitation access in Tawila and prevent a further deterioration of public health conditions. This year’s Humanitarian Response Plan calls for $2.9 billion to reach more than 20 million people across Sudan.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. 

#South Sudan 

Wrapping up visit, UN relief chief demands better protection for aid workers

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, concluded his visit to South Sudan today. 

He visited the town of Akobo, in the country’s east, where he met with people recently displaced by violence. Among them were children who have lost entire families, new mothers and people with disabilities. 

Many people have fled with nothing, pushing those who couldn’t walk in wheelbarrows for days. 

Mr. Fletcher called for urgent support, stressing that the UN and it’s humanitarian partners are ready to deliver. 

He also paid tribute to aid workers there, noting that they are risking everything save lives and lamenting how too many have been killed. Mr. Fletcher demanded increased protection for them.

#Ukraine

 Top humanitarian official appeals for end to suffering as Ukraine marks 4th anniversary of full-scale war

Marking four years since the escalation of the war in Ukraine, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, said today that the human cost continues to rise. 

He said millions are at risk as homes, hospitals and schools are struck with drones and long-range weapons. The systematic targeting of energy infrastructure is leaving civilians exposed. 

Mr. Fletcher said the humanitarians continue to deliver life-saving help, but at great personal risk and under fire. He called for an end to the suffering, supporting for our humanitarian response and for the creation of conditions for a just and lasting peace. 

Speaking to reporters from Kyiv this morning, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Mattias Schmale said that the war – which is entering its fifth year since the full-scale invasion – continues to put millions at risk and drive grave humanitarian needs, while compounding recovery challenges and costs. 

Nearly 11 million people – around a quarter of the population – require humanitarian assistance, he said. At least 2,500 civilians were killed and over 12,000 injured last year, the deadliest year for civilians since the full-scale invasion began. 

Mr. Schmale also addressed the challenges of recovery and said that efforts must be human-centered and community-based. Refugee return, veteran reintegration and women’s labour force participation will shape the economic and broader recovery as much as capital flows and infrastructure rebuilding.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Ukraine with urgent support. 

#Syria

Dozens of trucks arrive in Ain Al Arab to deliver life-saving supplies

OCHA says that yesterday, the UN and humanitarian partners, together with Syrian authorities, visited the Ak Burhan Camp in the country’s northwest.

This site currently hosts more than 1,000 families relocated from Al Hol camp, the majority of whom are Syrians and Iraqis. Basic services – including regular electricity supply and water – are available at the camp. Upon arrival, families receive ready-to-eat rations, hot meals and bread provided by our humanitarian partners. Hygiene and dignity kits are also being distributed.

 Also yesterday, OCHA says that a humanitarian convoy of 27 trucks arrived in Ain Al Arab, also known as Kobani, delivering food, medical supplies and fuel. 

While the situation in Ain Al Arab is gradually improving, including partial restoration of electricity, humanitarian needs remain significant. The power supply continues to be unreliable, meeting only around 40 per cent of requirements. Fuel shortages persist, with limited availability and rising prices. 

Local authorities say the top priorities are increasing people’s access to medical supplies and electricity. Displaced families emphasized the urgent need for mattresses, blankets and jerry cans, as well as food and healthcare. Although markets are partially functioning and food is generally available, prices remain high due to supply constraints. 

Many displaced families have expressed their willingness to go back to their areas of origin, but security concerns and reports of property looting continue to hinder large-scale returns. 

Since early January, humanitarians have reached nearly 190,000 people across Aleppo governorate and north-east governorates through 29 convoys, delivering more than 300 trucks of humanitarian assistance.

# Madagascar

 UN, partners seek $69 million after twin cyclones

The UN, the Government and humanitarian partners are calling for $69 million to respond to the devastating impacts of two recent cyclones – Gezani and Fytia. 

The funds will go towards providing life-saving assistance over the next three months to nearly half a million of the people most affected. 

More than 680,000 people were impacted by the cyclones, with tens of thousands of people having lost their homes. 

The impact on livelihoods and food security in western and eastern Madagascar has been severe, with homes, schools and agricultural land having been destroyed. Flooding and overcrowded displacement sites are also increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. 

Humanitarian partners have ramped up emergency assistance. Some 25,000 families received food aid, while more than 13,000 families have received cash transfers. Humanitarians are also providing safe drinking water, hygiene kits, medical supplies, school kits, psychosocial support and child-friendly spaces. 

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated $7.5 million to date, while donors have mobilized nearly $13 million. OCHA warns that needs still far exceed what has been received, calling on donors to urgently support the new appeal.