Protection Analysis Update - occupied Palestinian Territory (Gaza)

The protection and human rights catastrophe in Gaza continues unabated.  Early in the year the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocide. Furthermore, the High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised concerns about atrocity crimes and following intensified operations in the North, warned Israeli actions “could amount to crimes against humanity.”

The ongoing escalation in hostilities, now in its second year, has left people in Gaza trapped in a situation of violence, death, injury, deprivation, starvation and disease. The humanitarian picture is stark. At the time of reporting, over 45,000 people had been killed and more than 108,000 injured.  Most of the injured and killed (70%) are women and children. More than 10,000 people estimated to be buried under rubble. About 100 hostages are still held by Palestinian armed groups, and the armed wing of Hamas continues, sporadically, to launch indiscriminate attacks on Israel. Thousands of Palestinians have been detained by Israeli Forces (IF), often their whereabouts is unknown – in many cases unlawfully and in conditions that may amount to enforced disappearances.

About 66% of critical infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged, with reports of raw sewage flowing into the streets. Contamination from explosives is immeasurable. Most people live in crammed, unsanitary, mostly makeshift shelters, tents, in bombed-out buildings or on the street. Families have been separated, children orphaned, and community networks torn apart. Children and vulnerable adults are dying of malnutrition and curable diseases. All hospitals have been damaged and only 17 of 36 are partially functional. Over 1,040 medical personnel have been killed, with many others injured or detained by IF.

Efforts to bring further assistance into Gaza is significantly affected by Israeli barriers, impediments and restrictions as well increased lawlessness within Gaza, caused in large part by IF attacks on civilian law enforcement. This has contributed to increased looting and targeting of humanitarian convoys. The Rafah crossing out of Gaza has been closed since May 2024, with the exception of some medical patients. Since October 2024, there has been further alarm at the ongoing siege and intensified IF operations in northern Gaza.

This update acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of protection colleagues, partners and community members who strive to respond despite suffering their own displacement, trauma and losses. Since hostilities began, more than 340 aid workers have been killed.