A direct hit on an UNRWA school in Gaza on 17 January killed two children and injured 14 others, prompting calls for an investigation into potential war crimes. Following a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Olmert announced a unilateral cease-fire in Gaza, effective 0200 hours on 18 January, while Hamas declared a cease-fire after one week for Israeli forces to leave. The 22-day conflict has resulted in 1,300 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction. Basic supplies and medical services remain critical, with UNDP warning of long-term recovery challenges. Israeli forces remain in northern and eastern Gaza, though some are withdrawing. Palestinian militants continued to attack Israel, causing casualties. An Israeli air strike killed a mother and five children in Bureij Refugee Camp, while a shell killed seven people in Gaza City. Casualty figures show 1,300 dead, including 410 children and 104 women, with 5,300 injured. UNRWA operates 50 emergency shelters for 50,896 displaced people, but faces shortages of non-food items. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with Al-Quds Red Crescent Hospital destroyed. Water and sanitation services are strained, with 400,000 Gazans still without running water. Food prices have risen sharply, and access to food is difficult due to security and currency restrictions. Electricity is intermittent, with the Gaza Power Plant only partially functioning. Crossings remain open, but fuel delivery is critical for power plant operations. Cash flow remains a major issue, with no regular transfers to Gaza. The priority needs include protecting civilians, ensuring access for ambulances, opening crossings, restoring electricity, supplying fuel, and establishing a cash transfer system.A direct hit on an UNRWA school in Gaza on 17 January killed two children and injured 14 others, prompting calls for an investigation into potential war crimes. Following a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Olmert announced a unilateral cease-fire in Gaza, effective 0200 hours on 18 January, while Hamas declared a cease-fire after one week for Israeli forces to leave. The 22-day conflict has resulted in 1,300 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction. Basic supplies and medical services remain critical, with UNDP warning of long-term recovery challenges. Israeli forces remain in northern and eastern Gaza, though some are withdrawing. Palestinian militants continued to attack Israel, causing casualties. An Israeli air strike killed a mother and five children in Bureij Refugee Camp, while a shell killed seven people in Gaza City. Casualty figures show 1,300 dead, including 410 children and 104 women, with 5,300 injured. UNRWA operates 50 emergency shelters for 50,896 displaced people, but faces shortages of non-food items. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with Al-Quds Red Crescent Hospital destroyed. Water and sanitation services are strained, with 400,000 Gazans still without running water. Food prices have risen sharply, and access to food is difficult due to security and currency restrictions. Electricity is intermittent, with the Gaza Power Plant only partially functioning. Crossings remain open, but fuel delivery is critical for power plant operations. Cash flow remains a major issue, with no regular transfers to Gaza. The priority needs include protecting civilians, ensuring access for ambulances, opening crossings, restoring electricity, supplying fuel, and establishing a cash transfer system.