Main Topics

Key topics about the situation in Palestine with cross-referenced information from multiple trusted sources.

Humanitarian Crisis
Overview of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank

Food Security

The food security situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. According to the latest assessments, over 90% of the population is experiencing severe food insecurity, with many families reducing meal sizes or skipping meals entirely.

The World Food Programme reports that food prices have increased by over 300% since October 2023, making essential items unaffordable for most families. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has documented that the average daily caloric intake for many Gazans has fallen below 500 calories per day, far below the recommended 2,100 calories.

Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition, with UNICEF reporting increasing cases of stunting and wasting among children under five years old.

Healthcare System

The healthcare system in Gaza has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict. According to the World Health Organization, 28 out of 36 hospitals have been damaged or destroyed, with the remaining facilities operating at limited capacity due to shortages of medical supplies, fuel, and personnel.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports that surgical supplies, anesthetics, and antibiotics are critically low, forcing medical staff to perform procedures without adequate pain management. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society has documented over 500 attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel since October 2023.

Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are unable to access necessary care, leading to preventable deaths. The WHO estimates that over 10,000 patients require medical evacuation for treatments not available in Gaza.

Water and Sanitation

Access to clean water has become a critical issue for the population of Gaza. According to UNICEF, only about 10% of the population has access to clean water, with most desalination plants and water pumps non-operational due to damage or fuel shortages.

The UN Environment Programme reports that water infrastructure damage has led to the mixing of sewage with drinking water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. Oxfam has documented that daily water consumption has dropped to less than 3 liters per person in some areas, far below the humanitarian minimum standard of 15 liters.

The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that the lack of clean water and proper sanitation facilities in displacement centers is creating conditions for disease outbreaks, with cases of hepatitis A, diarrheal diseases, and skin infections already increasing.