World : UN Warns Winter Will Worsen Gaza Crisis As Families Face Cold In Tents

The United Nations and Palestinian authorities have sounded the alarm that the upcoming winter could worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a large number of people are still living in tents and temporary shelters following Israel's bombardment. At a press conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah, officials disclosed that over 2 million people are in need of shelter and aid.

Sameh Hamad, the Palestinian Authority's social development minister, stated that 84% of the population is residing in overcrowded emergency shelters, and more than 65% of families are living in tents and temporary shelters.

A significant concern is that more than 65,000 tents and emergency shelters are at risk of flooding or have already been impacted, according to UN data. Thousands of families occupy around 4,000 buildings that are at risk of collapse, with no safer alternative available. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov attributed the crisis to human actions, particularly Israeli import restrictions, which have impeded winter preparation efforts.

Alakbarov emphasized the need for Israel to lift restrictions on the import of essential aid and equipment, and for people to be granted access to safer areas within the territory.

Israel claimed to be implementing a winter preparedness plan in collaboration with the Board of Peace, established by former US President Donald Trump, and in partnership with the United Nations, international organizations, and donor countries.