Yet partners estimate that more than a million people – about half of Gaza’s population – are still in urgent need of shelter support. “Needs remain enormous, and the harsh weather only exacerbates the suffering of families living in tents or war-damaged buildings.,” the UN spokesperson’s office said on Friday.
Water, sanitation and hygiene services are also under pressure. Storms have damaged already destroyed infrastructure, while fuel shortages and limited access to landfills have caused waste to pile up.
UNICEF-supported teams continue to remove approximately 1,000 tons of solid waste every month, protecting children and families from health risks.
Heavy rains and flooding are causing widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, displacing residents and leaving streets full of mud and debris.
Destruction in the West Bank
In the West Bank, the demolition of 25 buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp has displaced around 70 families. UN Aid Agency for Palestine, UNRWAcontinues to support those who have had to flee from Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams, covering rental costs for three months during the cold winter.
Humanitarian organizations continue to advocate for safe access and the access of specialized equipment to maintain essential services, and underline the critical role of UN and NGO partners in delivering life-saving assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Lives are at stake as Israel’s curbs tighten
New Israeli restrictions on international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) threaten to further cripple humanitarian operations in Gaza at a time of acute need, the UN warned on Friday.
Secretary General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” by the move and called for the proposed measure to be reversed, highlighting the vital work of NGOs to save lives.
“The suspension risks undermining the fragile progress made during the ceasefire,” he said in a statement issued by his spokesperson.
“This announcement comes on top of previous restrictions that have already prevented critical food, medical, hygiene and shelter supplies from entering Gaza. This latest action will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.”
Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner General, said the measures would reduce life-saving aid to civilians already struggling to survive after months of conflict and hardship.
In a statement on social media earlier on Friday, Mr Lazzarini said he reiterated the concerns raised by the directors of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) – the forum that brings together heads of UN and non-UN humanitarian agencies.
Matter of survival
“New Israeli restrictions on international NGOs further endanger the humanitarian operation in the Gaza Strip,” he said, emphasizing that “the people of Gaza need more help, not less, simply to survive.”
He warned that the measures would also undermine efforts to help communities affected by escalating violence in the West Bank, where humanitarian needs have increased alongside displacement and access restrictions.
According to the IASC, the planned restrictions include new registration and operational requirements for international NGOs that would significantly limit their ability to deliver results.
Humanitarian leaders have urged Israeli authorities to withdraw the measures, warning that they would seriously disrupt aid deliveries and violate Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.
UNRWA focused
Mr Lazzarini said the latest steps follow the passage of Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, which has already had a chilling effect on humanitarian operations. Taken together, he said, they constitute “a troubling pattern” that risks setting a dangerous global precedent.
“If we fail to resist attempts to control the work of aid agencies, we will further undermine the fundamental humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality and humanity” he said.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that access restrictions, insecurity and bureaucratic barriers are preventing aid from reaching those in need in the occupied Palestinian territory.
They say further restrictions could have immediate and potentially fatal consequences for civilians dependent on humanitarian aid.
UN officials and aid leaders continue to call for unimpeded humanitarian access, respect for international law and the protection of humanitarian personnel and operations.
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