Israel/Hamas War Situation Report #74

Military and Diplomatic Highlights:

Gaza Strip

· On March 17th, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) started extensive strikes on Hamas targets which included Hamas personnel, launch posts, weapons stockpiles, and military infrastructure.

· On March 18th, the IDF killed Essam al-Da'alis who was the Head of the Hamas Government.

· The Israeli Navy on March 19th struck several vessels in the coastal area of Gaza.

· In Central and Southern Gaza, the IDF on March 19th began working to expand the security zone to create a partial buffer between northern and southern Gaza.

Syria

· On March 13th, the Israeli Air Force conducted a strike on an Islamic Jihad command center in Damascus.

Civil Protection and Humanitarian Assistance Highlights (Gaza Strip):

· The IDF strikes on March 18th have resulted in civilian casualties, and additional displacement:

o The areas targeted include the At Tabeen Governmental School in Ad Daraj area of Gaza city, Az Zawayda area in Deir al Balah, a site for internally displaced persons (IDP) in Al Mawasi area, in western Khan Younis, and IDP tents in Tal as Sultan area, in western Rafah.

o The IDF issued evacuation orders for areas in North Gaza and eastern Khan Younis:

ü Residents in 19 neighborhoods were ordered to evacuate to shelters in Gaza city and Khan Younis.

· As of March 12th, the World Health Programme (WHO) has supported the medical evacuation of over 6,900 patients abroad for specialized care.

· Food Security Update:

o The abrupt disruption in food assistance in being compounded by a surge in local market prices:

ü A World Food Programme market survey found that commercial food prices have surged, with some fruits and vegetables increasing by over 200% compared with levels prior to the closure of the crossings.

ü Traders have begun withholding goods due to uncertainty over when new supplies will arrive, while some shops are unable to replenish stocks.

ü The closure of crossings for cargo has further worsened Gaza’s severe energy crisis, with diesel prices rising by up to 105% and cooking gas prices soaring by up to 200%, compared with February, significantly limiting access to essential fuel amid a continued electricity blackout.

ü This comes at a time when cash liquidity shortages remain a major challenge and purchasing power is extremely limited.

o World Central Kitchen (WCK) reported that their four field kitchens continue to prepare hot meals. As of March 19th, they have cooked more than 26 million meals for impacted families since January 2024. Working with various partners, WCK has delivered more than 126 million total meals to Palestinian communities.

Violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Highlights:

Gaza Strip

· It is estimated that as of March 18th, at least 59 Israelis and foreign nationals are still being held in Gaza.

· On March 19th a UNOPS compound in Deir el Balah was attacked by either artillery or a rocket attack:

o One UNOPS employee was killed and at least five other people were injured in the attack.

o The compound was a clearly marked and reported UN facility.

o It is still unclear who attacked the compound.

West Bank

· Between March 4-10, the IDF killed four Palestinians, and injured 62 others, including 12 children. In the same period, Palestinian forces shot and killed one Palestinian child in Jenin.

· The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) reported that between March 4-10 it documented 16 incidents involving Israeli settlers that led to casualties, property damage or both:

o Two Palestinians were injured, more than 1,400 sheep and goats were stolen or killed, and over 380 olive trees and fruit trees were vandalized.

o In one incident perpetrated by Palestinians, an Israeli infant was injured.

Sources:

· Humanitarian Situation Update #273 | Gaza Strip

· Statement on UNOPS colleague killed at UNOPS premises in Gaza

· Humanitarian Situation Update #272 | West Bank

· Israeli Defense Forces Twitter Page

· OCHA Occupied Territories Twitter Page

· WHO Occupied Territories Twitter Page

· World Central Kitchen Twitter Page

Resources

FAO, On the ground in Gaza Website