Palestine — humanitarian situation

Gaza's humanitarian crisis continues despite the October 2025 ceasefire, with catastrophic conditions persisting across displacement sites and ongoing child casualties undermining the ceasefire's effectiveness. An estimated 1.7 million people remain displaced throughout Gaza, according to a May 2026 displacement site verification assessment conducted by the Site Management Cluster (ACTED, CESVI). Recent Israeli military advances towards Gaza City's populated areas, marked by a revised "Yellow Line" route using cement blocks, have triggered new displacement (OCHA). Since the ceasefire announcement, 265 Palestinian children have been killed across Gaza—averaging one child per day—leading UNICEF to characterize the ceasefire as a "cruel and deadly illusion." The number of IOM-supported displacement sites increased from 80 to 148 in May as partners scaled up operations, with 74 site improvement activities conducted to address unsafe living conditions and 111 community meetings held to ensure displaced community concerns informed decision-making (IOM). Living conditions across displacement sites remain catastrophic despite relative improvements following the ceasefire (Site Management Cluster). Severe overcrowding and deteriorating public health conditions persist, prompting UNRWA to participate in a WASH Cluster-led pest control campaign involving cleaning campaigns, community awareness activities, and targeted pesticide application to prevent disease spread. Reduced fuel inflows have forced humanitarian partners to prioritize only the most life-saving services, further limiting overall response efforts (OCHA). Over 520 entities continue to operate in-country, though access constraints and the unstable security situation hamper comprehensive assistance. In the West Bank, a decades-long deterioration is accelerating rapidly according to the UN Relief Chief's briefing to the Security Council (OCHA). Monthly snapshots document ongoing casualties, property damage, and displacement through May 2026. Humanitarian actors have called for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, adopted in November 2025, which established a peace plan for Gaza agreed by Israel and Hamas (Oxfam). Meanwhile, initiatives like Al-Quds University's new social clinics aim to strengthen student well-being and expand psychosocial support services while providing practical training for future social workers (UNDP).