In brief
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that about 100 Palestinian families have lost tents and belongings due to airstrikes and related incidents in Gaza’s Khan Younis, while roughly 3,000 Palestinians remain displaced from two neighborhoods in Hebron because of Israeli force operations. WHO data indicates rising cases of acute respiratory infections and meningitis among Gaza residents, exacerbated by overcrowding and degraded infrastructure. UN officials urge all parties to lift movement restrictions and ensure humanitarian supplies reach those affected, though the long‑term prospects for displaced families’ return remain uncertain.
The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Thursday that airstrikes in Gaza continue to damage infrastructure and inconvenience civilians, and that Israeli operations in the West Bank’s Hebron have forced approximately 3,000 Palestinians to leave their homes. OCHA stated that in the past week, about 100 Palestinian families had lost tents and other belongings in airstrikes, fires, and related incidents in the Gaza Strip’s Khan Younis district. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) documented explosions near its facilities, small‑arms rounds striking a UNOPS staff location, and the detention of humanitarian convoy drivers at checkpoints.
The World Health Organization (WHO) added that acute respiratory infections remain the leading health concern in Gaza, with viral meningitis cases rising above 200 and probable bacterial meningitis exceeding 70 in the period from 7 October 2023 to 30 September 2026. Health partners cited overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatment as factors heightening the risk of disease transmission.
In the West Bank, OCHA’s partners reported that Hebron Municipality authorities recorded that about 3,000 Palestinians remain displaced from two neighborhoods in the city. Israeli forces still operate in these neighborhoods, blocking movement and establishing tight restrictions across the governorate, complicating Palestinians’ access to livelihoods, education, and services such as healthcare. Most evacuated families are staying with relatives who have received aid support from local authorities and humanitarian partners.
The UN cautions that all parties must support their obligations to safeguard civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and that any future restrictions hamper relief efforts. OCHA highlighted that to scale up medical services, it is critical to lift restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies, specialized equipment, engine oil, spare parts, and other necessary goods. The organization also calls for additional funding from UN member states to aid relief operations.
“All parties must uphold their obligations to protect civilians,” an OCHA spokesperson stated.
Partners report that over the past week, about 100 Palestinian families lost their tents and other belongings in airstrikes, fires and other incidents.
“Health partners say that overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments continue to heighten transmission risks,” a WHO representative said.
Acute respiratory infections are the leading health condition reported in Gaza.
The call for unrestricted humanitarian access and for displaced families to return voluntarily underscores the United Nations’ stance on protecting civilians amid ongoing military operations. The agencies emphasise that lifting movement restrictions and easing supply shortages are essential for improving the health and welfare of the affected communities in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Uncertainties remain regarding the future trajectory of Israeli military operations in Hebron, the timing of any removal of movement restrictions, and the reliability of updated health data on disease spread in Gaza. The continued impact on displaced families’ prospects for return and the sustained ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver aid are factors that the United Nations and its partners continue to monitor closely.
