Data Protection and Financial Institutions in Occupied Palestinian Territory Face Critical Challenges
The occupied Palestinian territory has been plagued by more than five decades of Israeli military occupation, 16 years of blockade in Gaza, internal divisions among Palestinians, and a lack of adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. The ongoing hostilities between Israeli security forces and Palestinian armed groups have resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction and suffering.
Humanitarian Crisis
According to recent estimates, over 1.9 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, with most being women and children forced to move multiple times in search of safety. Many are living in tents or self-built shelters in makeshift sites that exacerbate protection risks and fail to provide sufficient privacy or dignity.
Humanitarian Response
The humanitarian community has been working tirelessly to address the needs of affected Palestinians across the occupied territory, but the situation is likely to remain dire. The UN estimates that about 1.9 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, with many living in tents or self-built shelters.
Flash Appeal
In response, the humanitarian community has launched a Flash Appeal calling for $2.8 billion to address the most urgent and critical needs of three million people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, over a nine-month period from April to December 2024.
Priorities
The appeal prioritizes:
- Scaling up the humanitarian response to provide emergency supplies
- Delivering aid in hard-to-reach areas
- Supporting existing structures and services
- Providing critical interventions for sustainable recovery
Funding Challenge
Funding has been a major challenge, with only 35.38% of total requirements covered, leaving a funding gap of $2.2 billion. Pledged amount stands at $35.7 million, with paid amount also equal to the pledged amount.
Call to Action
As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is imperative that data protection and financial institutions in occupied Palestinian territory work together to provide critical support to affected populations. The humanitarian community must be supported in its efforts to address the most urgent needs of Palestinians across the occupied territory.