Top News Today: Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Chad, Hurricane Melissa Updates

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and various regions, including Sudan, Chad, and Cuba, has become critical, with significant actions being taken by UN agencies to address urgent needs. Here are the latest updates from these regions.

Palestinian Territory: UN Agencies Take Action

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports a substantial escalation in humanitarian efforts in Gaza. Key UN agencies launched an integrated catch-up immunization campaign targeting 44,000 children who have lost access to essential healthcare services due to ongoing conflict.

Immunization Campaign Details

• The campaign is a joint effort by UNICEF, UNRWA, and the World Health Organization.
• Children will receive a series of vaccinations, including:
• Three doses of pentavalent, polio, rotavirus, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
• Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
• The first vaccination round begins this Sunday and will last for ten days.
• Nearly 150 health facilities and 10 mobile clinics across Gaza will serve as vaccination sites.

More than 450 health workers and nearly 150 doctors have been trained to support the campaign. The success of this initiative hinges on a respected ceasefire, ensuring safe access for families and healthcare providers.

Sudan: Alarming Reports of Violations

In Sudan, violence continues to threaten civilians, especially in North Darfur. Reports indicate systematic abuses, including executions and sexual violence, have intensified since the Rapid Support Forces seized El Fasher last week.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

• Approximately 82,000 individuals have fled El Fasher since October 26.
• Many people are displaced in areas like Tawila, which is facing severe humanitarian challenges.
• Local volunteers have reported significant abuses, including mass graves discovered through satellite imagery.

OCHA emphasizes the need for immediate cessation of hostilities to protect civilians and allow safe passage for humanitarian aid.

Chad: Growing Refugee Crisis

Chad has welcomed approximately 1.4 million refugees from Sudan, with many fleeing the ongoing conflict. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is reinforcing its support systems in anticipation of further inflows.

Preparedness for New Arrivals

• UNHCR focuses on expanding reception capacity near border towns like Adré and Tine.
• Critical sectors such as health and sanitation are severely under-resourced.
• The agency urges the international community to increase support for refugee assistance.

Cuba: Hurricane Melissa Response

In Cuba, the UN has initiated a Plan of Action following Hurricane Melissa, aiming to assist 1 million people across the eastern provinces. The coordinated response will focus on health, water, sanitation, and education.

Financial and Resource Needs

• The action plan requires $74 million, with $4 million already allocated as part of the emergency fund.
• UN agencies contributed an additional $7 million, but a gap of over $60 million remains.

Special attention is being placed on vulnerable groups, including women and children, in recovery efforts.

Haiti: Continuing Relief Efforts

Following Hurricane Melissa, humanitarian activities are intensifying in Haiti’s Grand Sud region. Reports indicate that 43 people have died, with significant damage to infrastructure.

Response Overview

• 16,000 homes have been impacted, and many roads remain impassable.
• Over 1,700 people are still displaced across ten shelters.
• The UN and partners are working to deliver food, healthcare, and hygiene supplies in affected areas.

The ongoing humanitarian challenges across these regions underscore the urgent need for international support and collaboration to address the escalating crises faced by civilians.