Palestine - October 2024

In October, Israel intensified military operations in northern Gaza. Over 1,100 Palestinians were killed, making it the deadliest month in the North Gaza governorate this year. Israel ordered the evacuation of the approximately 400,000 residents and cut off essential supplies like food, water, fuel, and medicine. This compounds a context marked by the collapse of the healthcare, water and sanitations systems. 91 per cent of the population faces severe food insecurity and famine risk is rising as aid is restricted and 70 per cent of Gaza's agricultural resources have been destroyed. Over the past year, Israeli evacuation orders have impacted at least 84 per cent of Gaza's total area, forcing nearly 2 million people—the entire population—into repeated displacement.

Sources: Associated Press, OCHA, United Nations (1), United Nations (2), Relief Web, OtP Health Cluster, World Health Organization, United Nations (3), UNRWA, Forensic Architecture, World Food Programme, UNDP, International Labour Organisation, UNICEF

On 28 October, the Israeli Knesset passed two bills that prohibit the operations in Israel of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The ban, set to take effect 90 days from its passage, is likely to severely impede the agency in carrying out its role as the principal provider of essential aid and services to Palestinians. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that there is currently no viable alternative to UNRWA and that, amidst the acute humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the ban will leave Palestinians there without the life-sustaining assistance they need, including healthcare, shelter and food aid. The ban will also impact the welfare of Palestinians in the West Bank who rely on UNRWA's clinics, schools, and social services.

Sources: The Jerusalem Post, United Nations (1), United Nations (2), Reuters, Amnesty International, UN Secretary General