The situation in the Palestinian Territories can be best described as a protracted protection crisis. The humanitarian conditions continued to deteriorate in 2021 as hostilities, heightened tensions and violence exacerbated an already dire situation.
The situation in the Palestinian Territories can be best described as a protracted protection crisis. The humanitarian conditions have continued to deteriorate as hostilities, heightened tensions and violence in recent times have exacerbated an already dire situation. The entire population has endured for the last 15 years a blockade of land, air, and sea blockade. The already severe strain on the population of having to live through four conflicts in the last 14 years have had devastating consequences for mental health with many across the Gaza Strip struggling to cope with complex trauma.
On 5 August, Israeli airstrikes were conducted in multiple locations in Gaza, including Gaza city, Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis. Subsequently, several rockets were fired from multiple locations across Gaza towards Israel. Exchanges of fire continued throughout 6 August. The Gaza Power Plant (GPP) shut down at noon on 6 August due to lack of fuel, causing rolling power cuts exceeding 20 hours per day. This places at severe risk the continuation of basic essential services.
According to a UNOCHA, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has experienced a disturbing increase in armed incursions into refugee camps, use of live ammunition against civilians and settler violence in the past twelve months. Displacement and demolition remain constant threats in East Jerusalem and Area C of the West Bank.
The Appeal response members, Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) and East Jerusalem YMCA (EJ-YMCA) will respond to the humanitarian crisis in the oPt targeting around 17,000 individual with an appeal to raise 853,713 USD to address multiple sectors, MHPSS/Protection, Health and nutrition, and Early recovery / livelihood restoration.