Occupied Palestinian Territory
The Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Thomas White, reported that an aid convoy waiting to move into northern Gaza was hit by gunfire, but thankfully, no one was injured.
Heavy fighting continued throughout Gaza over the weekend, resulting in significant destruction to residential areas across Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis, by Israeli forces. The destruction of residential blocks was also reported in Al Sabra neighbourhood, Gaza City, as well as in southern and eastern Khan Younis. The health sector in Gaza remains extremely precarious, with only 13 out of 36 hospitals being functional, but only partially, as of last week, according to the World Health Organization.
The health sector in Gaza is extremely precarious, with only 13 out of 36 hospitals being functional, but only partially, as of last week, according to the World Health Organization. Heavy fighting continues to be reported near Nasser and Al Amal hospitals in Khan Younis, jeopardizing the safety of medical staff, the wounded and the sick, as well as thousands of displaced seeking refuge at the hospitals. Some 6,000 patients are still on the waiting list to be evacuated outside of Gaza for tertiary medical care.
In January, only ten of the 61 humanitarian aid missions planned for the north of Wadi Gaza were facilitated by the Israeli authorities, with most missions being denied access, particularly those to support hospitals and facilities providing water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Abyei
Dozens of civilians have been killed in a series of attacks in southern Abyei since 27 January, resulting in the displacement of over 2,200 people, with most seeking refuge in a UNISFA compound in Rumajak. Despite major access and logistical challenges, humanitarian teams have provided food and shelter materials to the displaced, as well as carrying out medical consultations in the area.
Humanitarian teams continue to carry out assessments in villages affected by the conflict.
Sudan
The UN will launch this year’s humanitarian and refugee response plans for Sudan on 7 February. After nearly 10 months of conflict, more than half of Sudan’s population requires humanitarian assistance and protection. The UN-coordinated Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan aims to reach nearly 15 million people inside the country this year. The Regional Refugee Response Plan looks to support nearly 2.7 million people in five neighboring countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).