Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

OCHA reports that heavy rainfall yesterday worsened the situation of displaced families along Gaza's shoreline, particularly in Khan Younis. Dozens of tents were reportedly flooded or otherwise damaged.

Over the past month, numerous families were relocated inland. However, about 500 families remain exposed to the harsh weather along the shore.

The flooding underscores the urgency of additional resources and support to address the immediate needs of these displaced families.

Water and sanitation partners highlight that in order to support the Coastal Municipalities Water Utilities, there is an urgent need for 27 desludging trucks. At present, only seven trucks are available across the Gaza Strip.

In North Gaza, thousands of people have been besieged for nearly three months, with daily denials of access for UN-coordinated humanitarian missions attempting to provide essential aid.

Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza is non-functioning, while Al Awda Hospital is partially functioning. Despite a limited provision of UN supplies on 29 December, the Indonesian Hospital also remains non-functional, lacking water, electricity, hygiene supplies, and adequate medical staff, with essential equipment destroyed.

The process to bring in critical items to Gaza remains challenging due to insecurity, active fighting and breakdown in public order and safety. Of particular concern is the insufficient amount of fuel needed for essential services. Partners report that there is a stock of less than 25,000 litres, which is less than one day of requirements in Gaza.

OCHA is engaging with the Israeli authorities to prioritize entry of fuel through available routes and avoid losing it to organized looters.

Despite these challenges, aid organizations are working tirelessly to save lives and assist the most vulnerable, as the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate.

Food Security partners report that the four bakeries in Gaza supported by the World Food Programme continue to operate at full capacity. They received fuel earlier this week, which will allow them to continue operating for six days.

In the south, emergency flour distribution continues. As of last Friday, more than 6,000 metric tonnes of flour have been distributed, reaching around 1.2 million people, covering 70 per cent of the population in the south.

Predictable distribution of basic commodities such as flour is essential for the survival of people and would push prices down. Food security partners note that the price of a 25kg bag of wheat flour has decreased from US$136 to $109, and in some areas to $96.

OCHA stresses that parties to the conflict must fulfil their responsibilities to enable aid operations and facilitate the entry of humanitarian goods into Gaza.

Meanwhile, OCHA reports that 2024 has seen the highest number of settler-related incidents across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the office began keeping records almost two decades ago.

About 1,400 such incidents – including physical assaults, arson attacks, raids on Palestinian communities and the destruction of fruit trees – have resulted in Palestinian casualties, damage to property, or both. This is nearly four incidents per day.

Of the 4,700 people internally displaced across the West Bank this past year, about 560, or 12 per cent, have cited settler violence and access restrictions as the main reasons that forced them out of their homes or communities.

This year has also marked the second highest number of Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank since OCHA’s records began, following 2023 which was the highest.

More than 480 Palestinians, including 91 children, have been killed across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Most of them were killed by Israeli forces. Palestinians from the West Bank killed 35 Israelis, including three children, either in the West Bank or in Israel. At least 14 Palestinians were killed in intra-Palestinian violence involving Palestinian forces. Over 3,000 Palestinians and more than 150 Israelis were injured in the West Bank.

OCHA recalls that Israeli operations in 2023 and 2024 in the West Bank have involved airstrikes and other war-like tactics that seems to exceed the means of standard law enforcement.

#Syria

The UN and partners continue to respond to the humanitarian situation in Syria as security and logistical conditions permit.

The cross-border operation from Türkiye is running without impediments. Today, 21 trucks carrying 500 metric tons of food – enough for 175,000 people – from the World Food Programme (WFP) crossed into Idleb through the Bab Al-Hawa border crossing. 

In north-east Syria, cholera vaccination is ongoing in Al-Hol camp in Al-Hasakeh, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This is part of a 10-day campaign that began on 28 December 2024.

In the south of the country, the UN Refugee Agency in collaboration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, is working to provide essential non-food items to displaced families in need.

In Aleppo, child protection services have resumed with 26 fixed centres and 12 mobile teams active in urban and rural areas. Over the past two weeks, WHO delivered 2.5 tons of emergency kits, IV fluids, and medical supplies to Aleppo University Hospital and Al Razi Hospital. The UN Development Programme delivered 6,000 liters of fuel to Zahi Azraq Hospital.

However, supply shortages, financial liquidity issues and insecurity across the country remain key constraints for the response.

Partners have warned that nutrition supplies for pregnant and lactating women are running out across the country and many referred cases were not treated. Seven primary health centres in Hama had their insulin supplies stolen, while 18 primary health centres in Homs were unable to provide vaccination services due to damage, looting and staff shortages.

Vendors and field partners reported limitations on the amount of cash that can be withdrawn, affecting their ability to operate. Some vendors are experiencing low stock levels due to curfews, incidents of violence, robbery and other security-related issues.

Shelter partners have warned of potential delays in project timelines, despite having humanitarian access. This is due to banks temporarily suspending cash withdrawals and certain transfers.