SITUATION ANALYSIS
Description of the crisis
Following a 15-month armed conflict and dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a ceasefire was implemented on January 19, 2025, allowing for much-needed reprieve for the people of Gaza. In the aftermath, over 560,000 people are estimated to have returned to their places of origin in northern Gaza1 . However, since January 19, there has been a significant degradation of the situation in the West Bank, with intensified military operations and severe movement restrictions impacting Palestinian communities.
The cessation of hostilities in Gaza has allowed for a significant scale-up in the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, primarily through the Egypt and Jordan corridors. This has enabled National Societies and humanitarian partners to more effectively address urgent needs, ensuring that vital assistance reaches affected communities in a timely and coordinated manner. With the resumption of humanitarian activities, Egypt and Jordan have once again become crucial logistical hubs for aid deliveries into Gaza. In Egypt, humanitarian shipments have resumed, allowing for a more structured and efficient flow of assistance. Similarly, in Jordan, cross-border operations have been reinstated, ensuring the transportation of essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid. The collaborative efforts of National Societies, IFRC, and ICRC have played a key role in overcoming logistical hurdles, enabling a more systematic approach to aid distribution. These renewed efforts are vital in ensuring that critical humanitarian needs are met as affected populations begin to rebuild their lives.
Despite the ceasefire, Gaza remains in a severe humanitarian crisis, experiencing extensive loss of life, large-scale infrastructure destruction, and worsening living conditions. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, as of February 4, 2025, at least 47,540 Palestinians have lost their lives, and 111,618 have been injured since 7 October 20232 . In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, approximately 905 individuals have lost their lives during the same period3 .
The healthcare system in Gaza is facing severe challenges, with hospitals damaged, destroyed, or unable to operate due to critical shortages. Access to clean water and sanitation remains extremely limited, as infrastructure has been heavily impacted, leading to sewage overflows and water contamination. Telecommunications services are largely disrupted, further complicating humanitarian response efforts. The widespread destruction of homes and essential services has left hundreds of thousands displaced, with limited access to medical care, food, and clean water, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. Immediate and coordinated efforts are essential to restore basic services, support affected communities, and facilitate recovery.
Lebanon remains in a highly fragile situation, with the ceasefire extended until February 18, 2025, to support ongoing negotiations and stabilization efforts. While large-scale hostilities have decreased, tensions persist, particularly in the south, where the return of displaced communities has been met with significant risks. The crisis has forced over a million people to leave their homes, placing significant strain on resources and services and further increasing vulnerabilities. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of February 6, 2025, 890,830 individuals have returned to their areas of origin, while 98,986 remain displaced outside their home communities4 . The international community continues to call for the full implementation of ceasefire agreements, while humanitarian actors remain engaged in monitoring evolving needs and providing critical support to affected communities.
Humanitarian efforts in Syria face severe constraints due to ongoing hostilities, economic instability, and restricted access. Security risks, including violence, movement restrictions, and criminal activity, continue to impede aid delivery. Economic hardships, such as inflation, liquidity shortages, and fuel crises, disrupt operations, particularly in Aleppo, where clashes have critically impacted water access. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) further limits movement, posing risks to both aid workers and civilians. The influx of 473,000 displaced individuals from Lebanon since September 2024 has increased pressure on already strained resources, heightening protection concerns for vulnerable groups, especially women and children. Despite these challenges, efforts persist to secure access, deliver aid, and support affected communities.