In response to the ongoing escalation in the Gaza Strip, UNRWA launched an urgent appeal for US$104m for its humanitarian response over the coming 90 days.

“Funds are needed to respond to the immediate food, non-food, health, shelter and protection needs of up to 250,000 persons seeking safety in UNRWA shelters in Gaza and another 250,000 Palestine refugees within the community”, said UNRWA in its flash appeal.

The Agency said consideration will be given to the needs of specific vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

Over the weekend, an UNRWA school sheltering displaced families in the Gaza Strip was "directly hit" and severely damaged. The facility was housing about 225 people, though no casualties were recorded among the displaced.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily press briefing that all UNRWA schools across the Gaza Strip are closed, and more than 300,000 people students are impacted.

"We're not in a position to know whether it was targeted or if it was a mistake. What we do know is that it was hit and that UN schools should not be hit in any way," he added. ​​​​​​​