Key messages
The occupation in the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza have caused a long-lasting protection crisis with humanitarian consequences, particularly in terms of access to health, water, education and livelihood opportunities.
The military escalation in Gaza in July and August 2014 has had a dramatic humanitarian impact: more than 2,000 deaths, mostly civilians, and displacement on an unprecedented scale. Major assistance is needed. The European Commission's ongoing aid to Gaza is being redirected to respond to the most urgent needs, such as food, shelter, health, repair of water and sanitation infrastructure, and provision of power supply to key emergency services.
Fragmentation of the Palestinian territory has led to the isolation of civilians who face checkpoints, increasing settlement expansion and settler violence, and the Separation Barrier which limits the movement of people across the border. Palestinians are suffering from the demolition and confiscation of their homes and property, leaving many families homeless and without their source of livelihood.
The European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection department (ECHO) is addressing the protection needs of the most vulnerable through emergency support to people affected by eviction and or demolitions, provision of basic services, legal assistance, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian advocacy activities. The European Commission response advocates for the upholding respect of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law violations in Palestine.