“The nightmare in Gaza is more than a humanitarian crisis. It is a crisis of humanity.” 
– United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

The war has severely impacted the already critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, adversely affecting all of its 2.1 million residents. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner continue to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, protection for civilians, and full access for the desperately needed humanitarian aid.

Civilians, particularly women and children, have borne the brunt of the war’s carnage, with more than 42,000 killed and more than 96,000 injured. Three quarters of the population depend on food assistance, and too many of the most vulnerable have already died from starvation.

UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People is working alongside humanitarian partners to provide immediate support in Gaza. UNDP’s support to the ongoing humanitarian response initially focuses on the provision of clean water, emergency employment, medical supplies, and solid waste removal. As the war continues and humanitarian needs increase, this work is expanding to support civil society organizations and micro, small and medium enterprises. UNDP is also working on ways to provide dignified temporary shelter, scaling up emergency employment opportunities, expanding its support to solid waste management and preparing for the massive task of debris removal and management.

Despite being driven from their homes, living in squalid conditions, and grieving unimaginable loss, as well as the destruction of family homes, places of worship, universities and hospitals, Palestinians in Gaza continue to survive with dignity and hope for a better future.