Humanitarian needs in Gaza overwhelming: UN. 36 Palestinians reportedly killed since Israeli military operations began on January 21. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian residents in several villages in the West Bank’s Nablus governorates. 95 per cent of school buildings were damaged during the hostilities, forcing many students into makeshift tents and open spaces in winter temperatures. The use of lethal, war-like tactics during these operations raises concerns over the use of force that exceeds law enforcement standards. The operation is causing high casualties and significant displacement, especially in refugee camps. Critical infrastructure has also been severely damaged, driving humanitarian needs even higher. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than 250,000 people are enrolled in a distance learning program produced by the UN’s relief agency for Palestinian refugees. The office said that shelter partners distributed tarpaulins to more than 11,000 families in northern Gaza over the weekend. In Khan Younis, some 450 families received sealing-off kits, kitchen sets and hygiene kits at a displacement site in Al Mawasi.
