In brief
UN humanitarian agencies report that recent airstrikes in Gaza’s Khan Younis have damaged a UN warehouse, injured 100 Palestinian families and sparked outbreaks of respiratory illnesses. In the West Bank city of Hebron, about 3,000 Palestinians remain displaced from two neighborhoods as Israeli forces maintain movement restrictions. The UN urges protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and additional funding to address acute health and shelter needs.
In Gaza’s Khan Younis a UN warehouse was struck by flying debris from a nearby airstrike, injuring staff and damaging infrastructure, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported. The incident comes after a week in which about 100 Palestinian families lost their tents and other belongings due to airstrikes, fires and related incidents, OCHA said and said it had mobilized a rapid response to help them.
UN staff at UNOPS offices also experienced explosions near their facilities, and small‑arms fire hit a UNOPS staff location. Humanitarian convoy drivers were detained at checkpoints, adding to the hazard environment.
The World Health Organization’s latest report covering October 7, 2023 to September 30, 2026 indicates that acute respiratory infections remain the leading health condition in Gaza. Viral meningitis cases surged to over 200, and likely bacterial meningitis cases rose to more than 70, the organization said.
OCHA warned that “overcrowding, degraded water and sanitation infrastructure, and shortages of essential treatments continue to heighten transmission risks.” It added that to scale up services it is critical to lift restrictions on the entry of humanitarian supplies, specialised equipment, engine oil, spare parts and other items, and to increase UN member states’ funding for aid.
In the West Bank city of Hebron, OCHA partners reported that the municipality recorded about 3,000 Palestinians who remain displaced from two neighborhoods. Israeli forces continue operating in these neighborhoods, blocking entry and imposing tight movement restrictions across the governorate, the office said.
These operations are disrupting Palestinians’ access to livelihoods, education, and healthcare services. Most evacuated families have taken refuge with relatives, who have received support from local authorities and humanitarian partners.
“Palestinians across the West Bank must be protected,” OCHA said. “Those displaced must be allowed to return voluntarily and be provided with the assistance needed to do so.”
The UN further called on all parties to uphold their obligations to protect civilians, including humanitarian personnel. It urged that unrestricted humanitarian access be guaranteed, and that any barriers—whether they be movement restrictions in Hebron or supply blockades in Gaza—be removed immediately. The combined reports underscore the urgent humanitarian crisis faced by both Gaza and West Bank populations, with the need for immediate protective measures, enhanced medical support, and financial resources remaining pressing. The United Nations continues to monitor the developments and urges all actors to cooperate in safeguarding vulnerable civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.”
