Situational Update 10.10.2023

GAZA:

In Gaza, the situation remains dire, with ongoing violence taking a devastating toll. The latest statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that 704 people have lost their lives, and over 3,900 individuals have sustained injuries. UNRWA reports that there are approximately 137,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and nearly 90% of schools are at full capacity, serving as shelters for those seeking safety.

The city of Gaza continues to endure continuous raids, with more than 200 raids reported in the Centre area alone, which was previously considered one of the safest zones. Many buildings are now on fire, making it extremely challenging for civil defence teams and ambulances to reach affected areas, as the roads have become impassable due to bombing.

Tragically, some people are trapped underground amid the rubble of bombed residential buildings. The Beit Hanon hospital has been forced out of service due to bombardments, collateral damage, and the inability to access the facility due to damaged roads.

Despite facing damage, the neonatal unit at Shifa Hospital is still operational. Dr. Ghassan, one of our trustees, is en route to Shifa Hospital, but the bombed roads are making travel difficult. Israeli forces have targeted five civil defence staff who were working to extinguish a fire, and three journalists lost their lives near a residential building.

In terms of utilities, there is limited electricity in Gaza. The availability of water varies depending on the location, with some areas experiencing access to water for only a few hours a day. For instance, some residents are using generators for 3-4 hours daily to pump water into rooftop tanks.

Despite Israeli instructions for Gaza residents to leave through the Rafah gate, this exit is now closed, leaving many people trapped in the conflict zone.

 

WEST BANK AND EAST JERUSALEM:

In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces have persisted for the third consecutive day in multiple locations. During this period, 17 Palestinians, including four children, have tragically lost their lives, and 295 Palestinians, including 34 children, have been injured by Israeli forces. Most injuries have occurred during demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza residents, where confrontations have taken place. Additionally, settler attacks and entries into Palestinian communities, often accompanied by Israeli forces, have resulted in injuries to Palestinians.

The Israeli authorities have continued to impose multiple movement restrictions, including the closure of checkpoints and blocking entrances to towns and cities across the West Bank. These actions have disrupted the daily lives of thousands of Palestinians, preventing them from accessing essential services.

Furthermore, all educational facilities in the West Bank have remained closed for the third consecutive day, affecting over 1.5 million children.

In the West Bank, paramedics have also faced attacks, further escalating the humanitarian crisis. While the INGO community is currently focused on Gaza, efforts are ongoing to address urgent needs in the West Bank.

In Lebanon, the situation in refugee camps remains relatively stable, with MAP’s midwives continuing to provide essential services.

 

MAP’s Response

Our response efforts are being prioritised to address the immediate needs. Our focus in Gaza is on Zero-stock medical supplies (many medical items that need replenishing), blood banks, non-food items, Vascular surgery (treating trauma patients), Dignity Kits for GBV survivors, and our mobile clinics in West Bank which are seeing a rise of patients due to settler violence.

We are actively developing a list of emergency items to provide immediate support.

In the West Bank we are speaking with our partners at PMRS and Al Makaseed Hospital to assess the needs as the situation evolves there too.

The situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, and our teams on the ground are working tirelessly to respond to the urgent needs of those affected by this crisis.

We continue to urgently appeal to our generous supporters and partners for immediate support in addressing the critical situation unfolding in Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem. The already beleaguered health system is struggling to cope with the rapidly escalating number of casualties, and your assistance is desperately needed. Thank you.