"Highlight: Conflict between the Myanmar Armed Forces (MAF) and various groups, including Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs), continues in many parts of the country. More townships across the Northwest and Southeast have been affected by widening conflict, causing fresh displacement and civilian casualties. More than half a million people in multiple states and regions have been newly displaced due to the escalation of fighting since 26 October. This adds to the 2 million people who were already displaced before the current escalation began. Despite insecurity, access, and telecommunication challenges, small-scale provision of essential humanitarian assistance to affected people continues where possible using a variety of flexible approaches. In northern Shan, an estimated 50,000 people displaced in Laukkaing township, on the border with China, have only been able to receive minimal assistance. Humanitarian partners are working to negotiate access and provide assistance. Key transport routes in townships experiencing active fighting nationwide have been blocked both by the MAF and EAOs, restricting people’s movements to safer locations and hampering humanitarian access. Lashio and Loikaw airports remain closed. In Rakhine, commodity prices are rising due to shortages of food and daily household items in local markets, caused by blockages of roads and waterways both within and into the state. As of the end of 2023, the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for the year is only 29 per cent funded. An urgent injection of funding is critically needed to enable humanitarians to respond effectively and at-scale to the escalating needs. Provisional approval has been granted for a CERF Rapid Response Allocation of up to US$7 million to address needs generates by the recent escalation of conflict and surging displacement..."