UN agency urges entry of shelter materials into Gaza amid winter rains

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency has issued an urgent appeal for shelter materials to enter the Gaza Strip as severe winter weather compounds the humanitarian crisis for displaced Palestinians. UNRWA emphasized Saturday that winter conditions are dramatically worsening living circumstances for families sheltering throughout the devastated territory, with heavy rainfall flooding temporary encampments and creating increasingly desperate circumstances for vulnerable populations.

Winter Weather Impact

Substantial rainfall accompanying a low-pressure system has flooded dozens of displacement tents in southern Gaza's Al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis, according to Gaza Civil Defense reports. The UN agency confirmed it possesses necessary shelter supplies ready for distribution but requires immediate access to deliver winter survival materials to approximately 1.5 million displaced civilians throughout the territory, many residing in makeshift shelters offering minimal protection from harsh weather conditions.

Access Restrictions

Israeli authorities continue blocking entry of essential shelter materials including tents and mobile housing units despite obligations under the October 10 ceasefire agreement. The access limitations prevent humanitarian organizations from addressing urgent shelter needs as temperatures drop and precipitation increases throughout the region, creating life-threatening conditions for vulnerable populations including children, elderly individuals, and injured civilians.

Humanitarian Crisis Context

The worsening weather conditions exacerbate what UN officials describe as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in recent memory. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in over 69,000 fatalities according to Gaza health authorities, with widespread infrastructure destruction leaving the majority of the population without adequate housing, medical care, or basic services as winter conditions intensify throughout the region.