OCHA reports civilian toll across Lebanon, Yemen, Gaza and Ukraine

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported worsening humanitarian conditions across Lebanon, Yemen, the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Ukraine, citing hostilities, displacement and mounting funding gaps, according to a press release issued by OCHA. In southern Lebanon, continued fighting has damaged civilian infrastructure, while Yemen faces mass displacement. Gaza requires urgent winter assistance, and Ukraine’s Dnipro region has been hit by a deadly wave of attacks. The agency renewed its call for the protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access. It also urged additional donor support for affected populations.

In southern Lebanon, a public school in the municipality of Mansouri was largely destroyed overnight, according to local authorities. Large explosions were reported at Ali al Taher Hill, south of Nabatieh city, following the destruction of underground tunnels. In El Nabatieh District, partners recorded nearly 29,000 returnees over the past week, a drop of 13 per cent. Since 2 March, the Humanitarian Notification System has facilitated 664 humanitarian movements. On the previous day, a convoy received clearance for the first time since 29 July to reach border villages.

In Yemen, OCHA said 18,000 households have been displaced since the start of the month, up from the 11,400 reported the previous day, with people moving toward Ta’iz, Aden, Lahj and Abyan. Partners have 15,000 emergency kits ready, but cuts to roads have left most stuck in Aden. The Al Makha seaport sustained significant damage and operations are suspended. The World Food Programme reported disruptions at 17 front-line distribution points. OCHA called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law.

In Gaza, the UN and its partners brought in more than 350,000 litres of fuel and collected supplies from Kerem Shalom crossing, including antibiotics, medical equipment, winter clothes and school bags. The International Organization for Migration warned that shortages of some 8.6 million winter items could leave more than 1.5 million people without winter assistance. Humanitarian efforts across the Occupied Palestinian Territory are less than 40 per cent funded. In the West Bank, more than 830,000 boys and girls returned to school this week. Meanwhile, 84 schools remain under pending demolition or stop-work orders, threatening nearly 13,000 students.

In Ukraine, the Dnipro region was hardest hit, with at least seven people killed and more than 70 injured, including nine children, with most casualties reported in Pavlohrad after a shopping mall was struck. The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, stressed that people should be able to “go about their daily lives safely” and expressed condolences to bereaved families. Attacks also caused casualties in Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Poltava. Humanitarian partners are providing emergency shelter, psychosocial support and hot meals. Families, including those with children, are being registered for humanitarian cash assistance.