Heavy rains over the past week have compounded the already dire living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, UN agencies say. Unicef spokesman Jonathan Crickx reported that the weather had been horrendous, with rain accumulating up to 15cm in certain areas.
There are rising concerns for the health of children residing in tents and makeshift shelters, particularly regarding hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry confirmed the death of a baby due to hypothermia and reported multiple fatalities linked to building collapses triggered by severe weather.
UN agencies have intensified their efforts to deliver necessities like tents, blankets, and clothing since the ceasefire began nine weeks ago, but the scale of need remains overwhelming. Approximately 55,000 families have been affected by the rains, with many of their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed. Over 40 emergency shelters have been severely flooded, forcing additional relocations.
UNICEF has brought in more aid during the ceasefire, including winter clothing kits and tents, but the supply remains insufficient to meet the needs of those severely impacted. As numerous families grapple with damp living conditions, the ongoing challenges highlight the urgent requirement for global support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In recent statements, UNICEF's Crickx emphasized the dire need for additional resources, noting the tragic circumstances young children are facing during winter nights, with temperatures threatening their health. In the wake of a destructive war and the subsequent ceasefire, rebuilding efforts and sustained humanitarian assistance will be essential to ensure families can find stable housing solutions.
There are rising concerns for the health of children residing in tents and makeshift shelters, particularly regarding hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry confirmed the death of a baby due to hypothermia and reported multiple fatalities linked to building collapses triggered by severe weather.
UN agencies have intensified their efforts to deliver necessities like tents, blankets, and clothing since the ceasefire began nine weeks ago, but the scale of need remains overwhelming. Approximately 55,000 families have been affected by the rains, with many of their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed. Over 40 emergency shelters have been severely flooded, forcing additional relocations.
UNICEF has brought in more aid during the ceasefire, including winter clothing kits and tents, but the supply remains insufficient to meet the needs of those severely impacted. As numerous families grapple with damp living conditions, the ongoing challenges highlight the urgent requirement for global support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In recent statements, UNICEF's Crickx emphasized the dire need for additional resources, noting the tragic circumstances young children are facing during winter nights, with temperatures threatening their health. In the wake of a destructive war and the subsequent ceasefire, rebuilding efforts and sustained humanitarian assistance will be essential to ensure families can find stable housing solutions.
