UN reports surge in settler attacks and displacement in West Bank; Gaza partners conduct explosive-hazard assessments and nutrition screenings

The United Nations's spokesperson said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that settler attacks causing casualties or property damage this year have exceeded 1,000 incidents, affecting more than 230 communities across the West Bank and displacing more than 2,200 Palestinians this year because of violence or access restrictions. The briefing also noted additional displacement resulting from home demolitions carried out by Israeli authorities.

The spokesperson said partners on the ground in the West Bank are supporting people in need, especially in Area C and East Jerusalem where Palestinian authorities have limited access to provide services. The World Food Programme reported more than 300,000 people across the West Bank received food and cash assistance in May.

On Gaza, the spokesperson said mine-action teams conducted 50 explosive-hazard assessments in the first week of June to support clearance and humanitarian efforts, and that partners screened more than 77,000 children aged 6 6 months in May, identifying over 4% with acute malnutrition who were admitted for treatment; more than 53,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women were screened with just over 3% admitted for treatment.

The briefing emphasized that health facilities in some West Bank areas have reduced operating days or hours because of shortages of supplies and access restrictions, and that humanitarian partners are working to maintain essential services.