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UN warns of dire humanitarian impact from West Bank demolitions and Gaza crossings closure during Ramadan
Summary
UN agencies reported demolitions in West Bank refugee camps, restricted movement during Ramadan and closure of Gaza crossings that have blocked aid deliveries, creating urgent humanitarian needs.
The United Nations said operations by Israeli forces in the northern West Bank are having a ‘‘dire humanitarian impact,’’ citing assessments by OCHA, UNRWA and partners that more than a dozen buildings were demolished in Nur Shams refugee camp and many families displaced.
The UN spokesperson said demolitions in Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams have taken place while thousands of camp residents remain displaced and unable to return home. The displaced are sheltering in public facilities in Jenin and Tulkarm and face shortages of water, medicine, bedding, sanitation and hygiene supplies, the spokesperson said, citing an assessment of nearly two dozen public shelters.
The briefing said less than half of those interviewed could afford food, with many households reducing or skipping meals, and that children are unable to attend school in the affected areas. The spokesperson said more than 5,000 families have received cash assistance and that food parcels, dignity kits, water storage and mobile latrines have been distributed where possible.
The UN also said access restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities have severely constrained movement across the West Bank, noting that checkpoints closed since February restricted the movements of more than 60,000 Palestinians between the northern Jordan Valley and other areas of the West Bank. The spokesperson said fewer checkpoints opened this year compared with last year and that metal barriers had been set up to tightly control movements.
The briefing noted that today is the first Friday of Ramadan and that restrictions have prevented thousands of Palestinian worshipers from reaching holy sites; where access to East Jerusalem and the H2 area of Hebron has been allowed, it has been subject to age, gender and permit restrictions.
On Gaza, the spokesperson said crossings had been closed for almost a week at the time of the briefing, preventing aid from entering with ‘‘dire consequences’’ for civilians. The spokesperson reiterated that Israel, as the occupying power, is required under international humanitarian law to ensure essential needs are met, including facilitating aid to all areas of Gaza.
The spokesperson called for humanitarian assistance to be allowed into Gaza without delay and said UN teams continue to monitor movements and protection risks at checkpoints across the West Bank.
