The United Nations has renewed its urgent call for the full lifting of restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, warning that civilians are facing increasingly dire conditions amid continued violence and harsh winter weather.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, said that the UN and its humanitarian partners continue to demand unrestricted access for aid deliveries, including critical shelter materials.

“We and our partners continue to call, once again, for the lifting of all restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza, including shelter material,” Dujarric stated.

Despite the declared ceasefire, Dujarric said the UN has received persistent reports over the past 24 hours of airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire across all five governorates of Gaza. These incidents have reportedly caused civilian casualties and further disrupted humanitarian operations already stretched to their limits.

UN humanitarian partners are working to respond to what Dujarric described as “massive shelter needs,” particularly among displaced families living in unsafe and precarious conditions. He noted that approximately 1.3 million people in Gaza require improved access to dignified shelter, while around 3,500 families displaced by recent storms are currently living in flood-prone areas.

Aid deliveries in recent days have included tents, bedding sets, mattresses, blankets, and winter clothing for children. However, Dujarric emphasized that the scale of need far exceeds current assistance.

“Our partners estimate that 630,000 adolescents across the Gaza Strip still need winter clothing assistance,” he said.

As winter conditions intensify and violence continues to undermine relief efforts, the UN has warned that without the immediate removal of restrictions on humanitarian access, the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population—already facing displacement, insecurity, and deprivation—will continue to deepen. (ILKHA)