Since 7 October 2023, severe hostilities in the Gaza Strip have led to significant loss and damage. Around 35,000 Palestinians have died* and up to 1.7 million people, or 75 per cent of the population, have been internally displaced.

Critical infrastructure damage amounts to an estimated $18 billion. Around 85 per cent of health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, electricity shortages have led to frequent blackouts, the water and sanitation system has nearly collapsed, and over 90 per cent of primary roads have been damaged.

The severe damage combined with ongoing hostilities and restrictions on the movement of people and goods has seriously impaired the delivery of basic humanitarian aid. Over 1 million people now face catastrophic levels of food insecurity.

To support the emergency humanitarian response, we’re working with the UN family and partners to bring life-saving supplies into Gaza and help safeguard critical humanitarian aid efforts. 

In addition, the UN Secretary-General has tasked UNOPS with supporting the full operationalization of the Office of Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza and the establishment of a UN mechanism to facilitate, coordinate, monitor and verify humanitarian relief consignments to Gaza. This UN mechanism is designed to enhance the speed and efficiency of aid delivery into Gaza and will involve orchestrating large-scale aid distributions through the various land entry points.