The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is untenable. An estimated 1·7 million people—over 75% of the population—have been displaced across Gaza as of Jan 30, 2024,¹ often multiple times. Families have been forced to move multiple times in search of safety. According to local authorities, as of Jan 7, 2024, at least 26 901 Palestinians have been killed, 65 949 have been injured, and 7780 are missing, mostly under the rubble.¹ Access to life-saving health services has been severely affected. Electricity, fuel, water, and medicines are either in very short supply or non-existent. ² 

 

Throughout this war—and before it, amid years of blockade—the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been a lifeline for people in Gaza. As of Jan 31, 2024, ² nearly 1·7 million displaced people are now sheltering in emergency shelters (both UNRWA and public shelters), informal sites, or in close vicinity to UNRWA shelters and distribution sites within host communities.