Since the start of the fragile October ceasefire, initiated as the first phase of the US-led peace plan, thousands of tents and hundreds of thousands of tarpaulins have been distributed. However, partners estimate that over one million people—approximately half of Gaza’s population—still urgently need shelter assistance. The UN Spokesperson’s Office stated on Friday, “The needs remain immense, and the harsh weather only deepens the suffering of families living in tents or war-damaged buildings.”
Water, sanitation, and hygiene services are also experiencing pressure. Storms have further damaged already fractured infrastructure, while fuel shortages and limited landfill access have resulted in waste accumulation. UNICEF-supported teams continue to remove about 1,000 tons of solid waste monthly, helping to protect children and families from health risks.
Heavy rains and floods have caused widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip, displacing residents and leaving streets filled with mud and rubble.
In the West Bank, the demolition of 25 buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp has displaced around 70 families. The UN Palestine relief agency, UNRWA, continues to support those who have fled from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, covering rental costs for three months during the cold winter. Humanitarian agencies continue to advocate for safe access and the entry of specialized equipment to maintain essential services, highlighting the critical role of UN and NGO partners in delivering life-saving assistance across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The UN warned on Friday that new Israeli restrictions on international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) risk further crippling humanitarian operations in Gaza during a moment of acute need. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his “deep concern” over the move, calling for the proposed measure to be reversed and emphasizing the indispensable work of NGOs in saving 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 earlier restrictions that have already delayed critical food, medical, hygiene, and shelter supplies from entering Gaza. This recent action will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians.”
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, stated that the measures would reduce life-saving assistance for civilians already struggling after months of conflict and deprivation. In a social media statement earlier on Friday, Mr. Lazzarini echoed concerns raised by principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the forum that brings together heads of UN and non-UN humanitarian organizations.
He warned that the measures would also undermine efforts to assist communities affected by escalating violence in the West Bank, where humanitarian needs have surged along with displacement and access constraints. According to the IASC, the planned restrictions include new registration and operational requirements for international NGOs that would significantly limit their ability to deliver. Humanitarian leaders have urged Israeli authorities to revoke the measures, warning that they would severely disrupt aid delivery and contravene Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.
Mr. Lazzarini said the latest steps follow the adoption of Israeli legislation targeting UNRWA, which has already had a chilling effect on humanitarian operations. Together, he stated, they form “a troubling pattern” that risks setting a dangerous global precedent. “Failing to push back against attempts to control the work of aid organizations will further undermine the basic humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity,” he said. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that access constraints, insecurity, and bureaucratic impediments are preventing aid from reaching those in need across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They assert that any further restrictions could have immediate and potentially fatal consequences for civilians dependent on humanitarian assistance. 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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