Geneva, Jan. 13 (SANA) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, as severe weather continues to disrupt aid efforts.
In a statement released on Tuesday, OCHA revealed that over 1.1 million people in Gaza are still in urgent need of shelter. Ongoing rainstorms have destroyed makeshift shelters, exacerbating an already dire situation for thousands of displaced families.
A new storm that struck on Friday further ravaged tents, leaving many families homeless once again. The UN and its partners are actively assessing the damage and working to provide assistance to the most vulnerable.
OCHA stressed that tents are only a temporary solution, calling for urgent support in the form of building materials and heavy equipment to clear debris. The organization also highlighted the need for sustained funding to transition from emergency relief to longer-term recovery efforts.
The situation is particularly critical for children. The Ministry of Health reported the death of an infant last Sunday from hypothermia, bringing the total number of cold-related fatalities to four, all of them children. Data from humanitarian partners also revealed that more than 76,000 children were screened for malnutrition last month, with nearly 4,900 cases of acute malnutrition identified. Overall, the number of malnutrition cases in 2025 is expected to approach 95,000.
OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic,” adding that Israeli restrictions on humanitarian access are significantly hindering relief efforts. While a ceasefire agreement theoretically allowed for increased aid access, Laerke noted that on-the-ground results have fallen far short of addressing the overwhelming needs.
