Document
COVID-19, economic pressures, funding shortages and regional tensions all increase the risk of escalation in one of the most protracted situations on this year鈥檚 Watchlist, whose origins lie in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza in 1967.
The people of Palestine are facing multiple emergencies that threaten their survival and wellbeing, in one of the most politicized crises in the world. Around half of all Palestinians are in need of humanitarian assistance, with needs most widespread in Gaza - accounting for 64% of those in need (OCHA) - due largely to the impacts of thirteen years of blockade and tensions between the de facto authorities in Gaza and the Israeli government. COVID-19 and measures introduced to slow its spread have further worsened the economic situation. Moreover, any recurrence of conflict in Gaza or widespread unrest, for example following renewed moves by Israel to further annex parts of the West Bank, or continued demolitions and forced displacement of Palestinians, could result in increased humanitarian and protection needs and major disruption to people鈥檚 livelihoods.