USAID West Bank and Gaza Active Citizenry Activity (ACA) Monthly Report #18

As of the end of March 2024, the war has lasted nearly six months, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that 1.7 million people have been forcibly displaced, with 1.5 million squeezed into an overcrowded space in Rafah governorate, which has been subject to military strikes. The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic by international organizations, with an unprecedented level of death, destruction, displacement, and disease. The fear of famine has become a reality, with at least 29 people, 24 of them children, dying from severe acute malnutrition and/or dehydration in March. Experts warn that the true death toll from starvation is likely to be significantly higher and set to rise. CARE and its partner organization Juzoor reported that young children in North Gaza are increasingly at risk of dying of hunger and malnutrition. In a recent analysis of 1,329 children aged two and younger in North Gaza, CARE found that the number of children categorized as having moderate or severe malnutrition nearly doubled in February compared to January. A physician from Kamal Radwan Hospital in Gaza stated that the hospital is receiving two to three cases of underweight babies every day due to the absence of milk formula for infants. In the West Bank, Palestinians have been subjected to Israeli military incursions that have increased in frequency and intensity since October 7. Attacks by Israeli settlers have resulted in land grabs and displacement of Palestinian families. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 455 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank since October 7, including at least 100 children. Approximately 4,700 Palestinians have been injured, including 725 children. Since October 7, at least 128,920 Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been killed, injured, arrested, or reported missing. The humanitarian situation in the region is dire, with 1.1 million children facing starvation and 19,000 children orphaned. Almost all children in Gaza now require mental health and psychosocial support. In response to the crisis, ACA's team has continued to work closely with West Bank CSO partners to make necessary adjustments to original implementation schedules. Activities are being conducted both in person and online to mitigate risks associated with travel within the West Bank. However, the increased intensity of the war on Gaza and military assaults in the West Bank are taking a toll on ACA and CSO partner staff, with many reporting difficulties accessing basic necessities. ACA's management team and Global Communities are providing support for the team, including access to professional therapists to help ensure their well-being and ability to work. In observance of International Women's Day, ACA partners conducted various activities, including Dalal's Sushi Day, Ebal's Sports Day, and CYEE's PSA workshops. These events aimed to promote the importance of self-care and stress management for women and girls in the community. The conflict in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank continues to have a devastating impact on the civilian population, with widespread displacement, injury, and death. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with many children facing starvation and requiring mental health and psychosocial support. The international community must continue to provide support and assistance to those affected by the conflict.