#Occupied Palestinian Territory
Families flee deadly attacks in Gaza amid ongoing aid blockade
OCHA reports that the situation in Gaza is worsening as attacks continue for the third consecutive day, leading to numerous reported deaths and injuries, and further destruction of infrastructure.
Yesterday, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that over the past few days, another five of its staff members were killed, bringing the death toll among the agency’s employees since 7 October 2023 to 284 – including teachers, doctors and nurses.
Mass displacements are being reported across Gaza. Humanitarian partners estimate that as of yesterday, more than 68,000 people had fled since the evacuation orders were issued on Tuesday. A new evacuation order covering areas in Khan Younis was also issued today, following reports of rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups.
In North Gaza, there are reports of some initial displacement of people from Beit Lahiya following the reported start of the Israeli ground operation there.
In a statement yesterday, the Under-Secretary-General-for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said families in Gaza are being forced to move, living once again in fear of bombardment and death.
He also described the killing of a UN staff member and injuries to five others in a strike on a clearly designated UN compound in Gaza as infuriating, stressing that international law is clear: Civilians – including UN staff and humanitarian workers – must not be targeted. Mr. Fletcher urged the international community to join the UN in insisting on a genuine investigation and accountability.
The Under-Secretary-General noted that for nearly three weeks, Gaza has been completely sealed off to food, medicine, fuel and cooking gas – warning that the gains made during the ceasefire to support survivors in Gaza have been reversed. He said the blockade of life-saving aid must be lifted, the hostages must be released, civilians must be protected, and the ceasefire must be renewed.
Food security partners cautioned today that more bakeries in Gaza may be forced to shut down in the coming days unless the inflow of supplies resumes immediately.
The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warned yesterday that the current situation is subjecting women and children to more deprivation and suffering. Life-saving maternal health medicines have run out, threatening one in every two pregnant women facing a high-risk pregnancy.
UNFPA says folic acid, multivitamins and other crucial supplements are on the verge of disappearing. In February, at least one in five babies was born with complications, including low birth weight, requiring advanced medical care that is now increasingly unavailable.
Gaza’s healthcare system is under immense strain, with hospitals continuing to receive the wounded and partners doing all they can to provide services as supplies dwindle.
Since Tuesday, 13 hospitals have reportedly treated hundreds of trauma injuries. Given the high caseload, health partners warn that blood units are running low.
During the ceasefire, the World Health Organization (WHO) delivered anesthesia stocks for 300,000 surgical interventions, as well as other critical supplies to all hospitals receiving trauma cases. This week, UNFPA activated urgent delivery services in 14 primary care centres and medical points set up for pregnant mothers who may be unable to reach hospitals.
Although some humanitarian activities have been suspended due to the security situation, across Gaza, the UN and its partners are responding to people's immense needs as much as conditions allow.
Partners are continuing water trucking operations, as multiple water facilities have been affected by the evacuation orders. Water production levels remain well below pre-October 2023 levels.
The UN reiterates that the delivery of humanitarian assistance must be facilitated, and civilians must always be protected.
#Haiti
Insecurity threatens Haiti cholera response
OCHA remains concerned about the potential spread of cholera in Haiti, with new suspected cases being reported daily.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 900 suspected cases and four confirmed cases have been recorded nationwide, according to partners working in health. Four active outbreaks are currently being monitored in the communes of Cité Soleil and Arcahaie in the West Department and the communes of Mirebalais and Saut d’Eau in the Centre Department.
In Cité Soleil, one of the most insecure neighbourhoods in Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince, more than 100 suspected cases have been reported in the past three weeks. The deteriorating security situation has hindered access for surveillance teams and response efforts, raising concerns about undetected community transmission.
The Ministry of Health and WHO are jointly responding to the outbreak by providing medicine and medical supplies to the cholera treatment center of Hôpital Fontaine in Cité Soleil and setting up rehydration and chlorination points.
OCHA warns that years of underfunding for the humanitarian response – amid growing needs and rising violence – mean that millions of Haitians are missing out on the essential support they need.
Funding for essential water, sanitation and hygiene services is particularly low, with only US$3.6 million out of the required $87 million received. Additionally, less than 30 per cent of health facilities with beds across the country – and just over 40 per cent in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area – are fully operational.
#Democratic Republic of the Congo
Hostilities put thousands at risk in Djugu territory
OCHA warns that a surge in violence in Ituri province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, is harming civilians and hindering relief efforts.
On 18 March, local humanitarian sources reported that an armed group raided a site hosting displaced people in the territory of Djugu, with two people killed and property looted.
Violence has been mounting in Djugu for weeks, particularly in the areas of Fataki, Drodro, Rethy and Linga. At least four humanitarian organizations have suspended activities in these areas, cutting off some 300,000 people from life-saving aid and protection.
OCHA reports that clashes also continue in parts of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, leading to new displacement and civilian deaths.
In South Kivu, local humanitarian sources report that fighting in the highlands of Fizi territory has prevented nearly 30,000 displaced people from returning to villages in the area. The returnees were displaced between February and early March and had taken advantage of a previous lull in the fighting to try to move back home.
In North Kivu, local humanitarian sources estimate that more than 10,000 people fled clashes in Walikale territory yesterday, crossing into the neighbouring provinces of Maniema and Tshopo.
#Sudan
Conditions worsen at North Darfur displacement camp
OCHA warns that the situation in Zamzam camp near the Sudanese city of El Fasher has deteriorated over the past two days. Armed groups advancing towards El Fasher and Zamzam have reportedly gained full control of surrounding routes.
According to a humanitarian partner still operating in the camp, the road between El Fasher and Zamzam is now completely blocked, halting all supply movements and medical referrals – with severe consequences for essential services, particularly the water supply.
Humanitarians on the ground say the tightening blockade has shut down all diesel-powered infrastructure, including boreholes, leaving only solar-powered systems operational. However, these cannot meet growing demand, as displaced people continue to seek shelter in Zamzam.
Residents at the camp are reportedly having to wait up to two days to fill a single water container. Humanitarian partners say security concerns and fuel shortages have prevented water trucking, further exacerbating the crisis.
Meanwhile, there were reports yesterday that in neighbouring towns, dozens of villages and markets were burned down during attacks, triggering mass displacement.
The ongoing siege on El Fasher and Zamzam is worsening conditions for displaced people, and severe shortages of supplies continue to deepen the humanitarian crisis. Aid workers have been forced to ration water and supply stocks to sustain operations for as long as possible.
Although some basic nutrition services are still operational in Zamzam, these could be suspended if an attack occurs. However, the main stabilization centre in the camp remains closed due to a lack of essential medical supplies, leaving severely malnourished children at extreme risk.
In a meeting with aid organizations yesterday, administrative authorities in the town of Tawila in North Darfur state agreed to reopen roads to enable aid deliveries to Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, as well as displaced communities in El Fasher.
OCHA stresses that an immediate de-escalation of hostilities is critical to ensure safe, timely and sustained access for life-saving humanitarian assistance and services. All parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure that civilians are protected.