UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Airstrikes and other incidents continue to affect the safety and well-being of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its safety and security partners reported that on Wednesday in Gaza's Khan Younis, a UN warehouse was hit by flying debris from a nearby airstrike. UN staff members escaped injury.
The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) reported earlier in the week explosions near facilities, small-arms rounds hitting a UNOPS staff location and the detention of humanitarian convoy drivers at checkpoints.
"Partners report that over the past week, about 100 Palestinian families lost their tents and other belongings in airstrikes, fires and other incidents," OCHA said. "Humanitarian partners have mobilized support for these families through a rapid response process."
Again, the office said that all parties must uphold their obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that acute respiratory infections are the leading health condition reported in Gaza. A WHO report covering Oct. 7, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2026 showed viral meningitis increased to over 200 cases and probable bacterial meningitis increased to over 70 cases.
"Health partners say that overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments continue to heighten transmission risks," OCHA said. "To scale up services, it is critical to lift restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies, specialized equipment, engine oil, spare parts and other supplies. It is also urgent that UN member states provide additional funding for aid efforts."
The office said that in the West Bank, its partners report that the Hebron Municipality authorities recorded that about 3,000 Palestinians remain displaced from two neighborhoods in the city.
OCHA said that Israeli forces are still operating in the Hebron neighborhoods, blocking the way in and imposing tight movement restrictions across the governorate. Their operations are disrupting Palestinians' access to livelihoods, education, and services such as health care.
Most evacuated families are staying with relatives, who have received support from local authorities and humanitarian partners.
"Palestinians across the West Bank must be protected," OCHA said. "Those displaced must be allowed to return voluntarily and safely. Further forced displacement and demolitions must be prevented. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access must be secured and facilitated." ■
