NRC in Palestine

In addition to Gaza, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is facing a displacement and protection crisis. Israeli military operations, government-backed settler violence, demolitions, forced evictions and settlement expansion continue to uproot Palestinian families and further destabilise the region. Despite the challenges, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is continuing with its efforts to save lives, protect rights and ease suffering.  

What’s happening in Palestine?

In October 2023, attacks by Palestinian armed groups resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals, with over 250 people taken hostage. In response, Israel launched devastating strikes on Gaza, leaving entire communities in ruins. Widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure displaced at least 1.9 million people – around 90 per cent of Gaza’s population. Many families, including the small percentage who were able to return, remain without safe shelter or access to basic services. 

The ongoing siege and restrictions on humanitarian access have resulted in critical shortages of food, clean water, shelter and medical supplies that put countless lives at risk. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in October 2025, severe humanitarian access constraints remain, and the risk of renewed hostilities continues. 

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is facing its largest and most prolonged displacement crisis since 1967. Violence continues to rise, with Israeli settler attacks increasing in frequency and intensity alongside expanding settlement activity, land appropriation and forced displacement. Intensified Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank displaced tens of thousands of Palestinians from refugee camps, leaving many people in an increasingly vulnerable situation. 

Across the occupied Palestinian territory, bureaucratic restrictions, logistical barriers and the closure of crossings and checkpoints continue to delay or block life-saving assistance.  

Urgent international action is needed to prevent further loss of life, ensure safe humanitarian access and uphold the rights of Palestinians.