Attachments
The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was activated on 31 October 2023 in response to the conflict crisis in Gaza. Situation Reports are published every two weeks.
Highlights
- On 26 November, the ETC, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), trained 14 Jerusalem-based United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) personnel on security communications, including using Very High Frequency (VHF) radios and satellite-based devices. To date, 10 sessions have been conducted, training 142 UNSMS personnel from 13 UN agencies in Gaza and Jerusalem.
- On 25 November, the ETC concluded the annual user satisfaction survey, which gathered feedback from all humanitarians using ETC services in Gaza during 2024. The survey was launched on 31 October to assess the quality of ETC services provided in Gaza and identify areas for improvement to enhance the effective implementation of humanitarian activities in 2025.
- On 20 November, an additional 58 satellite-based tracking devices were delivered to Gaza. These devices are intended for use by 10 UN agencies operating in Gaza. The ETC team engaged with the vendor to activate these devices and handed them to UNDSS for further distribution to the requesting UN agencies.
Situation overview
The security situation in Gaza remains highly volatile due to the continuing hostilities. The intensified hostilities and lack of safe access, along with the deteriorating security situation, including looting and frequent Israeli-issued evacuation orders, create a highly volatile and risky operating environment for aid workers, further disrupting or restricting the delivery of life-saving assistance in Gaza. Since 06 October 2024, more than 100,000 people arriving at various locations in the west and north of Gaza City have been displaced, where essential services such as telecommunications, shelter, water, and health care are severely limited. On 17 November, Israeli air forces dropped leaflets in Beit Lahiya, ordering an immediate evacuation and reportedly triggering further displacement.