Humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip continue to face significant obstacles, particularly near the so-called “Yellow Line” in northern Rafah, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). This buffer zone, established by the Israeli military following the October 2025 ceasefire agreement with Hamas, stretches approximately 45 kilometres and divides the Gaza Strip in two.

Community representatives have reported that the yellow blocks marking the line have moved northward. They also described daily movements of Israeli tanks, construction of sand embankments, and recurrent gunfire. Families reportedly remain inside their tents most of the day due to fear of injury from gunfire or stray bullets. OCHA noted intensified military activity near displacement sites close to the Yellow Line, including tank movements.

Across Gaza, 1.1 million children face uncertain access to water daily, UNICEF reported.

In a separate development, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted the unstoppable global shift to renewable energy during the High-Level Meeting on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. She stressed that while progress is irreversible, the transition needs to accelerate significantly.

Meanwhile, Sudan is confronting a cholera outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 1,330 confirmed cases and 114 deaths as of 7 July 2026. Health partners recorded six new suspected cases and two deaths in West Kordofan, the region with the highest number of cases. Additionally, 32 new suspected cholera cases were reported in North Kordofan's Gharb Bara locality.

This update follows consultations by the UN and partners with representatives of 17 displacement sites hosting around 3,000 families, amid reports of Israeli military movements and disruptions to humanitarian services in the Gaza area.

Sources