The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is worsening as winter approaches, with nearly 2 million Palestinians in urgent need of shelter and essential non-food assistance following the widespread destruction caused by ongoing attacks by the Israel occupation regime, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

In a statement, UNRWA said approximately 1.98 million Palestinians, representing 94 per cent of Gaza's population, urgently require shelter support and basic non-food items as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.

The agency warned that hundreds of thousands of displaced families remain exposed to harsh weather conditions while living in damaged buildings, overcrowded shelters or makeshift tents with limited access to basic services.

Shelter needs reach critical levels

UNRWA said 58 per cent of Gaza's population is experiencing critical or catastrophic shelter needs, underscoring the scale of the humanitarian emergency facing the territory.

A winter preparedness assessment covering 113 displacement sites identified 18 emergency shelters that were considered unsafe for residents, highlighting growing concerns over the ability of vulnerable families to withstand the colder months.

The agency stressed that urgent assistance is needed to provide temporary shelter materials, blankets, mattresses and other essential supplies before winter conditions worsen.

Water and hygiene crisis compounds humanitarian emergency

According to UNRWA, 84 per cent of Gaza's population experiences frequent and irregular interruptions in access to safe and clean water.

The agency also reported that 89 per cent of Palestinian families do not have adequate access to essential hygiene supplies, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly among children, the elderly and displaced communities living in overcrowded conditions.

UNRWA warned that deteriorating water, sanitation and hygiene conditions, combined with continued displacement and damage to civilian infrastructure, are placing additional pressure on Gaza's already overwhelmed humanitarian response.

Attacks continue despite ceasefire

The Israel occupation regime has continued its attacks on the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire that came into effect on 10 October 2025.

According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, 1,602 Palestinians have been martyred and 5,794 others injured in attacks carried out since the ceasefire took effect.

Since the beginning of the aggression in October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has exceeded 74,000 martyrs, while more than 175,000 people have been injured, according to the ministry.

Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that without sustained humanitarian access and increased relief assistance, conditions in Gaza are likely to deteriorate further as winter sets in.(ILKHA)