WHO operational response and early recovery plan for the occupied Palestinian territory - 2025
Introduction
Since October 2023, the conflict in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) has caused widespread devastation, severely impacting the health and well-being of millions. In the oPt, over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 115,000 injured (these figures are likely much higher). Over 10,000 people remain trapped under rubble. Close to a quarter of those injured in the Gaza Strip (over 27,000) have life-altering injuries that may require lifelong rehabilitation.
Over the past 15 months, the health system has suffered significant destruction, with over 651 attacks on health facilities and personnel reported as of 31 December 2024. The continued health threats, along with the ongoing context of occupation, a prolonged blockade of the Gaza Strip, political divisions, and the long-term displacement of Palestinian refugees, have exacerbated humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities.
In the Gaza Strip, while there is now hope with the ceasefire, the health status of the population continues to worsen due to repeated mass displacements, overcrowded shelters, unprecedented levels of food insecurity, and severe damage to water and sanitation infrastructure. As people return to homes across the Gaza Strip, the danger from unexploded ordnance and structural damage to buildings will present new health risks. Restrictions on the entry of medical and humanitarian supplies, combined with repeated denials of humanitarian missions, have severely hindered efforts to restore essential health services. Hospitals remain overwhelmed and unable to meet the growing demand for care.
The ceasefire agreement, which came into effect on 19 January, may provide the needed stability to allow the humanitarian situation to improve. However, addressing ongoing threats and immediate needs, as well as restoring the health system, will be an extremely complex and challenging task, given the scale of destruction, operational complexity, and constraints involved. Billions in investment are needed to support the recovery of the health system, which will require the unwavering commitment of donors and the international community.
In the West Bank, the situation is deteriorating and remains uncertain. Violence, settler activity, an increased number of military checkpoints, and intensified military operations have resulted in 807 deaths and over 6905 injuries since October 2023. These events have severely impacted the physical and mental well-being of thousands of children and families. Frequent attacks on health facilities, ambulances, and personnel, coupled with restrictions on medical permits, have left many communities without access to essential health interventions. As of 31 December 2024, more than 694 attacks on health facilities and personnel were reported in the West Bank.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has played a critical role in addressing the pre-existing health challenges in oPt and continues to respond during this crisis. To date, WHO has delivered 5931.82 m³ of medical supplies for health partners, over 8.8 million litres of fuel, deployed 51 Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), transferred hundreds of critical patients within the Gaza Strip, and evacuated over 5000 patients outside the Strip. WHO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and partners, conducted two rounds of a polio vaccination campaign in highly challenging circumstances, providing over 556,000 children with protection from this deadly disease. As the lead agency of the Health Cluster, WHO continues to coordinate the health sector response, working with the MoH, United Nations (UN) agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other partners to deliver life-saving health interventions through technical and financial support, supplies, transport, and fuel.
The 2025 WHO operational response plan for oPt aligns with government plans, the latest flash appeal, and WHO’s emergency appeal for 2025. It integrates lessons learned from the previous year and outlines a structured framework for health emergency response.
As the ceasefire process progresses, WHO will sustain its dual focus on (i) evolving humanitarian needs and (ii) health system recovery. The first phase of WHO’s 2025 plan will be driven by WHO’s 60-day ceasefire plan to meet the most immediate humanitarian needs and integrate early recovery. Through this plan, WHO remains committed to ensuring the delivery of life-saving assistance to those in need while working to rebuild and strengthen the health system to support early recovery and long-term resilience.
