UN Calls for Protection of Civilians in Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesNew York, 18 Aug 2026 (ONA) — The United Nations called for the protection of civilians in the Palestinian territories, ensuring the preservation of homes and property, and securing residents’ access to essential services amid continued tensions and attacks in the West Bank and Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip. Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric said, “our humanitarian colleagues on the ground tell us that our teams reached families in Qusra village in the northern West Bank, that’s the village where Palestinian families had been trapped in following the establishment of an Israeli settlement outpost next to their homes and much tighter access restrictions imposed on them.” “The UNICEF team delivered water, food, medicines and hygiene items, as well as recreational kits for children,” he added. OCHA reported that three Palestinian families in the village remained surrounded by a heavy presence of Israeli forces as well as settlers, Dujarric said. In the Gaza Strip, the UN spokesperson expressed concern over continued airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire, noting reports of civilian casualties. He also warned of a severe shortage of shelter supplies as the rainy season approaches, saying that the United Nations and its partners have so far secured fewer than 30,000 tents, compared with estimated needs of between 80,000 and 130,000 tents. Dujarric confirmed that less than 40 per cent of the $4 billion required for humanitarian support across Gaza and the West Bank has been secured this year. — Ends/AH