Gaza Humanitarian Response | Situation Report No. 58

As of 18:00 on 2 January 2026, unless otherwise noted

This report, issued daily from Monday to Saturday, outlines efforts and progress made by the UN and its partners to scale up humanitarian response across the Gaza Strip under the ceasefire that entered into effect on 10 October 2025. For all situation reports see here.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rains have damaged and overwhelmed water infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, raising water levels in Wadi Gaza and Sheikh Radwan lagoon. To keep de-watering pumps operational, the humanitarian community is engaging with Israeli authorities to allow entry of specialized equipment.
• January 2026 food assistance has seen rations adjusted to two parcels and two 25-kilogram flour bags per family, meeting 100 per cent of caloric needs for the first time since October 2023.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Israeli airstrikes, shelling and gunfire continued to be reported across several areas of the Gaza Strip between 30 December and 2 January with several casualties reported. Strikes reportedly struck several locations in North Gaza, Gaza city, Deir al Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, involving multiple airstrikes and ground fire.

Partners working in water, sanitation and hygiene say that heavy rains have affected damaged and unmaintained water-related infrastructure. For example, recent rains raised water levels in Wadi Gaza in Deir al Balah and Sheikh Radwan lagoon in Jabalya. In order to ensure the operation of de-watering pumps, the humanitarian community is engaging with the Israeli authorities to allow the entry of specialized equipment.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, as of 13:00 hrs on 1 January, five Palestinians were reported killed and eleven others injured across the Gaza Strip over the previous 48 hours.