Washington, January 6, 2025 — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued a grave warning about the devastating impact of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, compounding the already severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The IOM expressed deep concern over the tragic loss of life, particularly among vulnerable populations, including infants, with at least seven reported deaths from hypothermia. These deaths, the organization said, highlight the urgent need for shelter and immediate humanitarian assistance in Gaza, a call echoed by IOM Director General Amy Pope.
“The conditions in Gaza have reached catastrophic levels. Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for shelter and other help to reach the people of Gaza immediately,” Pope stated.
According to the IOM, the heavy rains and subsequent flooding have overwhelmed existing displacement sites and makeshift shelters. Families who have already endured months of displacement are now exposed to even harsher conditions as they struggle to repair tents that have been battered by the elements. These shelters, often flimsy and poorly constructed, offer little protection against the freezing temperatures and torrential downpours. The ongoing systematic access restrictions, as highlighted by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), have severely hampered the delivery of aid, leaving many of the most vulnerable without access to life-saving resources. Since September 2024, only 285,000 people have received shelter kits, while at least 945,000 people continue to urgently require winterization assistance to survive the cold months.
Despite these challenges, the IOM has delivered nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items to partners inside Gaza since mid-November. Additionally, over 1.5 million winter supplies remain in warehouses and entry points, ready to be distributed, but severe access restrictions continue to block these essential supplies from reaching those who need them the most.
In light of the worsening situation, the IOM has reiterated its urgent call for a ceasefire in Gaza to allow for the safe and immediate delivery of humanitarian aid. Without such measures, the scale of the suffering will continue to grow, with countless lives at risk.
In a related development, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq warned that the potential collapse of operations by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) due to proposed Israeli legislation would exacerbate the already dire conditions for Palestinians. Haq stressed that UNRWA has long served as a critical lifeline for millions of displaced Palestinians, providing essential services such as healthcare, education, and psychosocial support, which are desperately needed during this crisis.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the proposed Israeli legislation, expected to be enacted in the coming weeks, which he said aims to erase Palestinian history and identity. Lazzarini further emphasized the agency's commitment to continuing its operations in Gaza, urging the international community to take immediate action to support Palestinian refugees and ensure the protection of their rights.
As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, the international community faces a critical moment to act and provide meaningful support to the millions of people affected by the ongoing conflict, the harsh winter conditions, and the collapsing infrastructure. The need for a coordinated humanitarian response and the protection of Palestinian rights has never been more urgent.