Protection of Civilians Week: spotlight on Gaza

DRC in occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) has recognised the following as the current top three protection risks in Gaza. 

Conflict-induced repeated forced displacement

Palestinians in Gaza have been exposed to an unprecedented degree of danger, injury and risk of death with recent estimates reporting 62,000 people dead and 112,000 injured since October 7th.

Israeli authorities have restricted Palestinian access to up to 70% of Gaza either by declaring areas as no-go zones or issuing forced displacement orders. During displacement orders, many women, girls, men and boys, are forced to flee without warning or belongings, while thousands remain trapped in high-risk areas without access to evacuation routes, clothing, communication or essential supplies.

Families being confined to increasingly restricted areas means forcing them into catastrophic and undignified living conditions, people in socially vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities face disproportionate challenges in accessing assistance, shelter and other basic needs for survival. 

Starvation and blockade

The longest continuous full blockade on Gaza has now reached over two months. The World Food Programme has announced it has distributed remaining food stocks. An increasing number of families are forced to eat only one meal a day, including low quality or non-nutritional food. Fuel supply is at a critical level and is reserved for essential movement and operating healthcare centers.

If humanitarian supplies are not allowed to enter soon, families are at a critically increasing risk of starvation and malnutrition, along with other heightened risks of diseases and other public health concerns. Malnutrition, including SAM, is already soaring and death from starvation are already reported. 

Explosive ordnance

According to DRC’s research half of the people in Gaza have encountered at least one EO and 58% have reported looking under rubble, despite knowing the risk of encountering UXOs. Women and girls are being maimed as they search through piles of rubbish for food, often barefoot and with bare hands.

Adolescent boys, particularly between 12-17 years accounted for nearly twice as many EO-related casualties as adolescent girls in the same age group between 7 October 2023 and 23 March 2025 with 64% of casualties being boys and 36% being men.

Women and girls, especially those with disabilities, face disproportionate challenges in accessing risk education and safety information.