Palestine Humanitarian Emergency

The humanitarian situation in Palestine has rapidly deteriorated in 2020, in part due to the continuing spread of COVID-19. Recurrent shocks, both natural and manmade, have eroded the resilience of vulnerable households, while mobility restrictions and strict import policies create challenges for humanitarian actors to provide the necessary assistance. The protracted nature of the crisis in Palestine has exacerbated the risk of gender-based violence and negative coping strategies, including intimate partner violence, sexual violence and forced marriage. Insecurity and resource constraints have limited the availability and accessibility of critical health services, including maternal health and gender-based violence services. Across Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, UNFPA is focused on improving access to sexual and reproductive health services, strengthening support mechanisms for GBV prevention and response, rehabilitation of damaged health facilities as well as emergency preparedness.