̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

Bart Witteveen, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s (̽»¨¾«Ñ¡) Country Director for the occupied Palestinian territory, said:

“Temperatures are dropping, and heavy rain has caused severe flooding in Gaza. Displaced families living in tents are left without proper shelter, blankets, or warm clothing to protect them from the cold. In areas where the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ operates, community leaders reported 40% of tents were destroyed in Asdaa camp and 45% destroyed in Ard Fayyad camp. On top of this, Israeli restrictions on fuel have shut down critical services like waste collection and sewage management, making flooding and disease even worse in a health system that’s already collapsing.

"With almost no new building and shelter materials entering Gaza, families are struggling to survive in makeshift shelters that barely protect them from the bitter cold. Over a million cases of respiratory infections have already been reported, along with growing cases of diarrhea, skin diseases, and jaundice. Many mothers are too malnourished to breastfeed their babies, leaving them to rely on unsafe alternatives that increase the risk of pneumonia and other illnesses. As the winter gets harsher, these dangers will only grow, with over.

“With more than 90% of Palestinians displaced, most families have no choice but to live in shelters that don’t protect them from the cold. The little aid that does reach Gaza can’t get to the people who need it most due to persistent Israeli airstrikes, destroyed infrastructure, and theft of aid supplies, making deliveries almost impossible. Without electricity since last October, millions are enduring freezing nights, unable to prepare for the cold.

“Under international law, Israel, as the , has a legal obligation to facilitate humanitarian access. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is urgently calling for fuel, food, clean water, medical care, and proper shelter to reach families before the situation gets even worse. Without immediate action, millions—especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly—will continue to suffer catastrophic conditions."

In response to the winter conditions, the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is providing warm clothing to help families stay safe and warm through the harsh months ahead. Additionally, we are delivering 30,000 liters of drinking water daily in Khan Younis to 10,000 people, and ensuring access to clean water in northern Gaza, in partnership with the Palestinian Hydrology Group (PHG). To further support vulnerable communities, we will rehabilitate latrines and water sources in Ard Fayyad camp and Asdaa City, improving water and sanitation services and reducing health risks. The ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ is also planning for the distribution of hygiene and dignity kits as well as conducting community hygiene promotion awareness sessions.