Key facts
- Gaza faces an imminent humanitarian catastrophe as winter storms worsen conditions for over 1.5 million displaced Palestinians.
- Gaza's Government Media Office accused Israel of violating ceasefire commitments, citing thousands of alleged violations.
- Aid agencies report that Israeli restrictions are preventing essential shelter assistance from reaching Gaza.
- The UN has millions of relief items ready but faces access issues.
- The UN migration agency IOM has dispatched over 47,000 relief items, including 2,500 tents, since the ceasefire.
- A two-week-old infant reportedly froze to death due to inadequate shelter.
Gaza's Government Media Office has warned of an impending 'humanitarian catastrophe' as winter storms exacerbate the dire conditions for over 1.5 million displaced Palestinians. The office accused Israel of violating its commitments under the Gaza ceasefire agreement, citing thousands of alleged violations that have resulted in casualties and injuries.
Aid agencies, including the UN and its partners, are struggling to deliver life-saving assistance due to ongoing access restrictions and customs delays. Despite having millions of relief items, including tents and winter supplies, ready for deployment in Jordan, their entry into Gaza is reportedly blocked or restricted by Israeli authorities. The UN migration agency IOM has dispatched over 47,000 relief items, including 2,500 tents, since the ceasefire, and partners are distributing over one million hot meals daily.
Winter storms have further damaged already devastated areas, with the roof of a war-damaged home collapsing in Gaza City's Shati refugee camp during a recent storm, leading to the rescue of six Palestinians. Reports indicate that a two-week-old infant froze to death due to inadequate shelter, highlighting the extreme risks faced by vulnerable populations. The Palestinian Civil Defence described the situation as a 'true humanitarian catastrophe.'
Amidst the worsening crisis, Qatar's Prime Minister held talks in Washington, DC, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss stabilizing the ceasefire and ensuring unconditional humanitarian aid enters Gaza. The discussions also touched upon the possibility of an international stabilization force in Gaza after the war. Meanwhile, Israeli attacks in central Gaza City have continued, wounding at least 11 Palestinians.