Palestinians In Gaza Struggle To Survive Harsh Winter Conditions

Grandchildren of Reda Abu Zarada, displaced from Jabaliya in northern Gaza, play next to their tent at a camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

As winter descends upon the Gaza Strip, nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the recent 14-month war with Israel are facing challenges in protecting themselves from the cold, wind, and rain. Aid workers and residents report a shortage of blankets, warm clothing, and wood for fires. The makeshift shelters, including tents and tarps, have become increasingly worn out after months of heavy use.

Many families, like Shadia Aiyada's, are struggling to stay warm with limited resources. Aiyada, who lives in a fragile tent with her eight children, fears for their safety as the weather worsens. With temperatures dropping into the 40s at night, she worries about her children falling ill due to lack of warm clothing.

The United Nations has raised concerns about the precarious living conditions in Gaza, with nearly a million people in need of winterization supplies. However, the cost of these supplies has become prohibitive in the region. The UNRWA has distributed some aid, but it falls short of meeting the needs of the population.

Efforts to bring in essential items, such as tents, blankets, and mattresses, have been hindered by logistical challenges and lack of approvals from relevant authorities. The International Rescue Committee is also facing obstacles in providing winter clothing for children.

Shortage of blankets, warm clothing, and wood for fires reported.

2 million Palestinians displaced by war facing cold weather challenges.

Make-shift shelters worn out, increasing vulnerability to harsh weather.

Families struggling to stay warm with limited resources.

Nearly a million people in Gaza in need of winterization supplies.

Logistical challenges hindering aid distribution efforts.

Residents find winter clothing in local markets too expensive.

Efforts to provide essential items like tents and blankets facing obstacles.

Hope for increased aid as ceasefire negotiations continue.

Urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

Despite efforts by the Israeli government to facilitate aid shipments into Gaza, many residents find winter clothing in local markets too expensive to afford. Families like Reda Abu Zarada's are resorting to sleeping with their children in their arms to keep warm, even as they endure harsh conditions inside their tents.

As negotiations for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas continue, there is hope for increased aid to reach the territory. In the meantime, displaced Palestinians like Omar Shabet are braving the cold nights, with concerns about safety and warmth for their families.

The harsh winter conditions in Gaza highlight the urgent need for sustained humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.