20 February 2026

OCHA reports that?families continue to live in overcrowded shelters, which?pose severe fire risks. Families cook,?sleep?and store their belongings?in small?spaces?where they also use open fire – since November?2025, our partners?have recorded?at least 12 fires in these shelters.

In the ten days leading up to 17 February, humanitarians provided shelter?assistance?to 85 families in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis whose shelters were damaged by?a fire in Gaza?city.

Partners?have?been?raising?fire safety?awareness?among displaced families to reduce the risk.

Displaced families need adequate shelter to protect them from the elements and provide more privacy.?Humanitarian partners?reiterate the urgent need to move towards more sustainable solutions.

In many areas within Gaza, humanitarian movements still require coordination with Israeli authorities. Of 67 movements coordinated between 12 and 19 February, 43 were approved and nine were denied outright. Eight missions were approved but faced impediments, of which six were fully accomplished. Organizers cancelled seven other missions for operational and security reasons.

Humanitarian?partners?coordinated?the entry of fuel, medical supplies, animal?fodder?and hygiene kits into Gaza.?Teams?also?facilitated?the?medical evacuation?of patients?through Rafah and Kerem Shalom?crossings.

In the West Bank,?OCHA? of the continued violence and other coercive practices by Israeli forces and settler communities resulting in casualties, destruction of property and displacement.

Between?3 and 16 February, Israeli forces killed three Palestinians, bringing?the total number this year?to nine, including two children.?Palestinian security forces killed one Palestinian child?in?Tammoun, while?attempting?to arrest?his?father.

During the same period, at least 86 Israeli settler attacks?were recorded,?during which?over 60 Palestinians were injured,?and?some?146 people?were displaced.?People in 60 communities were affected by the attacks.

Overall,?since?January 2023, and?as of?16 February 2026,?some 880?Palestinian?families?–?over 4,700?people?– have?been displaced across?the West Bank?due to settler attacks and access restrictions.


Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Subject: Gaza Strip, Humanitarian relief, Refugees and displaced persons
Publication Date: 20/02/2026
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