On the brink of a humanitarian explosion… UNRWA: The West Bank is witnessing its worst crisis since 1967

Madrid, Spain – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned that the West Bank is experiencing its most severe and profound humanitarian crisis since 1967. This comes amid an unprecedented escalation of violence, a rapidly deteriorating living situation, and widespread poverty and unemployment, particularly in refugee camps.

The agency emphasized that military operations, frequent closures, and restrictions on movement have brought daily life to a near standstill. Furthermore, livelihoods have been disrupted, and essential services, especially health and education, have suffered a sharp decline. It noted that thousands of families are now at risk of losing their sources of income. Children and women are also facing extremely harsh psychological and humanitarian conditions.

UNRWA added that the refugee camps are witnessing a serious deterioration in infrastructure. This is due to the ongoing incursions, which have exacerbated the suffering of the residents and created a state of constant instability, amid genuine fears of a widespread social explosion.

The agency called on the international community to uphold its legal and humanitarian responsibilities and take urgent action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of aid. It also warned that continued international silence would lead to a humanitarian catastrophe that would be difficult to contain.

UNRWA concluded its statement by emphasizing that what is happening in the West Bank is no longer a passing crisis. It has become a complex humanitarian situation that threatens the future of an entire generation, in one of the darkest periods in decades.