The scale of human loss and destruction in Gaza during the 2014 conflict was catastrophic and has, in the words of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, “shocked and shamed the world.” During the 50 days from 8 July until 26 August 2014, 2,251 Palestinians were killed, 1,462 of them are believed to be civilians, including 551 children and 299 women. Sixty-six Israeli soldiers and five civilians, including one child, were also killed. Overall, 11,231 Palestinians were injured during the conflict, including 3,540 women and 3,436 children. Roughly one third of these children will have to cope with permanent disabilities for the rest of their lives as a result of their injuries. Today, more than 300,000 children are in need of psycho-social support.
During the violence, over 142,000 housing units were impacted by the conflict, of which 9117 were completely destroyed and 5,417 severely damaged. The conflict led to a homelessness crisis in Gaza, with almost 500,000 persons displaced at its peak; 75,000 persons remain displaced to this day. Over the past two years, UNRWA has distributed US 190.7 million as part of its Emergency Shelter Programme. An additional US$720 million are required, of which US$ 257 were pledged, leaving a shortfall of US$463 million.
Also, 118 UNRWA installations were damaged, including 83 schools and 10 health centres. UNRWA has since repaired and rebuilt all of its damaged installations.
More information is available here and on the #GazaOneYearLater campaign page and the Gaza eight years of blockade infographic
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More information on the impact of the 2014 conflict and UNRWA response |
In 2016, Palestine refugees across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) faced continued Israeli occupation, repeated violations of human rights and high levels of violence. In Gaza, the political and security situation remains volatile. 6,750 Palestine refugee families remain displaced as a result of the 2014 hostilities and repairs to tens of thousands of homes have yet to be completed. The Gaza blockade, which will enter its eleventh year in June 2017, has led to one of the highest unemployment rates worldwide.
The situation in the West Bank is increasingly precarious. Palestine refugees continue to experience difficult socioeconomic conditions rooted in occupation-related policies and practices imposed by the Israeli authorities. These include a recent rise in the number of house demolitions, and access and movement restrictions. In addition, Palestinians continue to experience high levels of food insecurity, with those living in refugee camps particularly affected.
In 2017, UNRWA needs US$ 402 million for emergency interventions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Read more in the oPt Emergency Appeal for 2017.
