Palestine Situation Report #16 - March 2025

The humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory has worsened significantly following the collapse of the ceasefire in mid-March. In Gaza, intensified hostilities have caused mass displacement, with nearly 400,000 people forced to flee in less than three weeks. Women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks, including exposure to gender-based violence, unsafe birthing conditions, and severe psychological distress. Hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are stalled at borders, and only a fraction of health facilities remain partially functional. In the West Bank, escalating military operations have displaced tens of thousands, while movement restrictions, settler violence, and limited access to maternal health care further endanger lives.

Despite these severe constraints, UNFPA remained operational throughout March, delivering critical services across Gaza and the West Bank. Over 25,000 people were reached with life-saving sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care, including maternal and emergency obstetric services. UNFPA also provided gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services to more than 8,900 individuals, including psychosocial support, dignity kits, and legal referrals. Youth services reached over 2,600 young people with mental health support, life-skills education, and community resilience programming. UNFPA continues to support 19 safe spaces for women and girls, though several have closed due to insecurity.

To meet urgent and ongoing needs through December 2025, UNFPA is requesting US$99.2 million as part of the 2025 OPT Flash Appeal. As of April 2025, only US$12.5 million has been received, representing just 13 per cent of the required funding. An additional US$86.7 million is urgently needed to sustain and scale up operations, particularly for the most vulnerable populations in hard-to-reach areas.