Washington, January 5, 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has expressed deep alarm over the devastating impact of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, which has further aggravated the already dire humanitarian catastrophe in the region. IOM’s Director General Amy Pope emphasized the tragic deaths of at least seven infants from hypothermia, stressing the urgent need for shelter and other vital assistance to reach the people of Gaza immediately.
According to IOM, the heavy rains and flooding have overwhelmed displacement sites and makeshift shelters, leaving families exposed to harsh weather conditions. Many are struggling to repair their tents, which have been damaged after months of use. The systematic access constraints reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have severely hindered the delivery of aid, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter kits since September 2024, while at least 945,000 people still urgently need winterization assistance.
Since mid-November, IOM has delivered nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items to partners inside Gaza and has over 1.5 million more winter supplies ready in warehouses. However, severe access restrictions continue to prevent these supplies from reaching those in need. IOM has reiterated its urgent call for a ceasefire to ensure the safe and immediate delivery of life-saving aid to those in desperate need.
In a related context, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq warned that the collapse of UNRWA operations, due to proposed Israeli legislation, would exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the Israeli occupation legislation, expected to be enacted in the coming weeks, seeks to erase Palestinian history and identity. He emphasized that UNRWA remains committed to its mission and urged the international community to take immediate action to support Palestinian refugees and safeguard their rights.