UN appeals for sustained aid to Gaza, says tents offer limited protection

The UN spokesperson told reporters that families in Gaza continue to face harsh winter conditions and that another child reportedly died from hypothermia this week, the 11th such death since winter began, according to the briefing's citation of Gaza health authorities. The brief noted that the UN and partners have distributed tens of thousands of tents but warned tents provide limited protection, especially during the rainy season, and called for more durable shelter solutions.

The briefing said prices for many food items remain substantially above pre‑October‑2023 levels and that unemployment in Gaza stands at over 80 percent, which undermines household purchasing power even where goods are available. The spokesperson stressed that predictable, sustained and diversified entry of aid and commercial supplies is essential and that any opening of the Rafah crossing must include movement of cargo to expand the volume of humanitarian supplies entering Gaza.

On the West Bank and East Jerusalem the briefing said electricity and water cuts have affected schools and health centers and reiterated that restrictions on humanitarian operations must be lifted. The briefing also called for an end to the ongoing ban on UNRWA and for NGOs to be allowed to register and operate without hindrance so partners can reach people across Gaza and the West Bank.