Public Health Situation Analysis on Hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) – WHO Report

SUMMARY OF CRISIS AND KEY FINDINGS

On 19 January 2025, a ceasefire and hostage/prisoner release deal in Gaza came into effect. The first phase of the deal is being implemented over 42 days and includes requirements for increased humanitarian aid entering Gaza (600 trucks per day, including 50 fuel trucks, including 300 for the north), exchange of hostages and prisoners between the two sides, lifting of restrictions on population movement across the strip, humanitarian access to all areas, a start to the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, and daily medical evacuations through the Rafah crossing (50 patients and up to 3 companions per patient daily).

Between 7 October 2023 and 22 February 2025, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza, as stated by OCHA, at least 48 339 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and 111 753 have been injured. While the entry of humanitarian supplies, including health supplies, has improved dramatically during the first phase of the ceasefire, restrictions on the entry of certain medical and humanitarian supplies continue to delay or hinder efforts to restore essential health services. Health facilities have begun to restore services but remain overwhelmed and unable to meet the growing demand for care.

The health status of the population continues to deteriorate due to repeated displacements and ongoing population movement, poor or overcrowded shelter, ongoing food insecurity, and severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure. More than 42 million tons of debris has been generated, containing buried human remains, unexploded ordinance (UXO), asbestos, and other hazardous substances will pose additional threats as recovery efforts begin.

In the West Bank, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly. Since the start of the Israeli military operation “Iron Wall” on 21 January 2025, at least 40 000 Palestinians in the northern West Bank have been forcibly displaced. Ongoing Israeli military operations, airstrikes, and closures have led to extensive damage and disruptions, including to electricity and water supplies, across the West Bank, particularly in and around the densely populated refugee camps of Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas.

Frequent attacks on health facilities, ambulances, and personnel, coupled with restrictions on medical permits, have left many communities without access to essential health interventions. Only 61% of facilities in conflict-affected governorates—primarily Hebron, Nablus, Ramallah, Jenin, and Bethlehem— remain fully operational, further hindering access to critical healthcare services. As of February 2025, military operations have caused damage to health points (13 non-functioning) and other critical infrastructure, leading to water contamination with sewage and water shortages in some areas.

Between 7 October 2023 – 14 February 2025, MoH has reported 912 deaths and 7467 injuries across the West Bank. Since January 2025, 76 deaths, including 38 in Jenin, were recorded. As military operations continue in the northern West Bank, casualty numbers are expected to rise, with children potentially making up 25% of the total. This will place a significant strain on trauma care services.

In Gaza, no attacks on health have been recorded since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January 2025. However, in the West Bank, during 2025, WHO verified 44 attacks on health in the West Bank, resulting in injuries to eight health workers on duty. Movement restrictions have created additional physical barriers, hindering the movement of ambulances and health care workers, impeding access to health services. Between 7 October 2023 and 24 February 2025, there have been 670 attacks in Gaza (886 individuals killed) and 739 in West Bank (25 individuals killed).

As of 25 February, it is estimated that 63 Israelis and foreign nationals remain captive in Gaza, including hostages who have been declared dead and whose bodies are being withheld in Gaza. Between 7 October 2023 and 25 February 2025, more than 1607 Israelis and foreign nationals were killed, the majority on 7 October 2023 and its immediate aftermath.

On 18 February, the World Bank and partners published a report assessing damages, losses and needs in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. According to the assessment, reconstruction and recovery needs in Gaza are estimated to require around US$53 billion. The impact on lifeline infrastructure such as health, water and transport are estimated at over 15% of the total damages.

More broadly, oPt has endured a protracted cycle of conflict, hunger and despair for over five decades. In 2023, this cycle reached unprecedented new peaks as tensions escalated in the occupied Gaza Strip and the West Bank on 7 October, resulting in civilian fatalities, widespread destruction, massive displacement, rising food prices and a declining currency. The unprecedented impact of the current war on Gaza demands a transformative shift in addressing mounting immediate needs, revaluating long-term systemic challenges to relief efforts, and confronting the root causes of the conflict by ending the occupation and upholding international law.