The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that relief efforts in the Gaza Strip have been unable to keep pace with the scale of needs due to ongoing restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities, including limits on the entry of supplies into the territory.
OCHA said in a post on the United Nations’ X account on Wednesday, as monitored by the SABA news agency, that its teams have been working on maintaining and repairing sewage networks in Gaza City but face difficulties due to shortages of new materials, forcing them to rely on old components—an example of the Israeli restrictions.
Despite these obstacles, the United Nations and its partners continue to respond to the growing needs of displaced families and to mitigate the effects of recent winter storms, which have worsened conditions for thousands across the Gaza Strip.
OCHA noted that UN partners in the water and sanitation sector reported ongoing efforts to improve water purification at the Bassa desalination plant in Deir al-Balah through the transfer of specialized equipment to the facility. Installation of the Al-Manshiya desalination plant in Gaza City has also begun.
Regarding the West Bank, the office said it documented additional incidents resulting in the deaths and injuries of Palestinians, as ongoing Israeli military operations , settler violence continue to put the population at risk and increase humanitarian needs.
It reported that six Palestinians, including four children, were killed over the past two weeks.
OCHA expressed deep concern over the continued displacement of Palestinians across the West Bank, noting that more than 100 people were displaced due to demolitions and evictions during the same period, including 63 in East Al-Quds.
It highlighted that on Monday, Israel demolished a four-story building in the Silwan neighborhood of East Al-Quds, citing the lack of a building permit issued by Israeli authorities—a permit that is nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain—displacing 50 people, including 21 children.
