In the oPt, Palestine refugees are exposed to the lasting consequences of an occupation now approaching 50 years. In Gaza, a decade-long blockade and repeated cycles of conflict has rendered the majority of the population dependent on aid to meet basic needs. Unemployment rates in the small coastal strip are among the highest in the world, particularly for women and youth.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, violence and operations by Israeli security forces, access restrictions, forced displacement, demolitions, and other rights violations increased significantly since October 2015. As a result of this intensified protection crisis, as well as the impact of long-term military occupation, Palestinian living standards are undermined, and the demand for humanitarian assistance interventions has remained high. Almost one in four Palestine refugees in the West Bank are food insecure, and around 200,000 are in need of assistance to meet basic food needs.
In 2016, UNRWA needs US$ 403 million to meet the minimum humanitarian needs of Palestine refugees in the occupied Palestinian territory.
