Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
- Since 18 March, renewed hostilities in Gaza have reignited a cycle of displacement, devastation and food shortages, which have undermined efforts to improve food security.
- Following attacks on UN deconflicted assets leading to staff casualties, the UN Secretary-General announced a temporary reduced presence in Gaza on 24 March, despite soaring humanitarian needs. WFP is consequently reducing its international staff work force in Gaza temporarily.
- WFP is racing to provide life-saving aid with dwindling stocks, which will likely run out in two weeks if the blockade persists. Severe shortages are emerging across all sectors.
- West Bank escalating violence and movement restrictions are crippling markets, livelihoods, and food security, pushing families toward debt.
SITUATION UPDATE
- Since 2 March, no humanitarian aid has been permitted to enter Gaza by Israeli authorities.
- Since the restart of hostilities in Gaza on 18 March, over 730 people were killed according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
- One UN international staff was killed on 19 March, and at least six others endured severe injuries after an Israeli tank struck a UN guest house in Deir Al Balah, situated in a deconflicted area.
- The UN Secretary-General condemned the attacks, demanded an investigation, and urged a ceasefire, aid access, and respect for international humanitarian law and decided to scale down the UN’s presence in Gaza.
- Increasing “buffer zones” and evacuation orders have restricted aid access in Gaza, displacing over 130,000 people and leaving more than a million at risk.
- The total blockade has caused severe food shortages and soaring prices, with some essentials rising by over 700 percent. Bread demand has surged amid wheat flour shortages and limited cooking gas, while cash scarcity has left many unable to afford remaining goods. Medical facilities are struggling under extreme shortages, overwhelmed by casualties and a lack of supplies.
- The energy crisis in Gaza is getting worse, with diesel prices rising by more than 100 percent and cooking gas prices soaring by more than 300 percent in March compared to February. The shortage affects household-level food preparation, and bakery and community kitchen operations, particularly during Ramadan period.
- In the West Bank, displacement has driven rising prices, reduced trade, and lower-quality goods. To cope, households are reducing food intake, borrowing food, and enduring inadequate shelter.