Palestinian minister: 2.1 million residents of Gaza need protection in winter

Winter crisis in Gaza

About 2.1 million people in the Gaza Strip need protection and humanitarian aid during the winter period amid ongoing displacement, deteriorating living conditions and Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries. This was announced on Monday by Palestinian Minister of Social Development Samah Hamad at a press conference at the Government Communications Center in Ramallah, reports Anadolu.

Blocked supplies and living conditions

According to Hamad, about 30% of shipments of humanitarian aid and shelter materials remain stuck at border crossings due to Israeli measures, preventing their delivery to Gaza. She stressed that resolving the humanitarian crisis requires not only funding but also ensuring the entry of aid, shelter materials, winter goods and repair equipment.

Scale of displacement and needs

The minister cited data on the scale of displacement: more than 1.76 million people — 84% of Gaza's population — live in overcrowded displacement sites. Over 65% of families are housed in tents and temporary shelters, more than 370,000 housing units are damaged or destroyed, and over 300,000 families lack adequate protection from cold and precipitation. In her estimate, Gaza urgently needs 200,000 tents and 200,000 tarpaulins.

Risks of the rainy season

Hamad also reported 19 deaths linked to hypothermia over the past two years. She warned of the growing risk of flooding and rainwater accumulation at more than 1,600 displacement sites, noting that 80% of Gaza's water infrastructure requires repair. According to the agency, since October 2023 the Israeli army has killed more than 74,000 people and wounded over 175,000 in its offensive on Gaza, which has left the entire territory in ruins.