Since the fragile October ceasefire began as part of the US-led peace plan, thousands of tents and hundreds of thousands of tarpaulins have been distributed in Gaza. Despite these efforts, partners estimate that over one million people—around half of Gaza’s population—still urgently need shelter support. The UN highlighted that harsh winter weather has further deepened the suffering of families living in tents or damaged buildings.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene services are under severe strain. Storms have damaged already weakened infrastructure, and fuel shortages along with limited landfill access have led to accumulating waste. UNICEF-supported teams continue to remove approximately 1,000 tons of solid waste each month to protect children and families from health risks.
In the West Bank, the demolition of 25 buildings in Nur Shams refugee camp has displaced around 70 families. UNRWA continues to support those displaced from Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams, covering rental costs for three months during the cold winter. Humanitarian agencies continue to advocate for safe access and the entry of specialized equipment to maintain essential services, highlighting the critical role of UN and NGO partners in delivering life-saving aid across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The UN warned that new Israeli restrictions on international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) risk crippling humanitarian operations in Gaza at a moment of acute need. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the proposed measures, emphasizing that suspending NGO activities could undermine fragile progress achieved under the ceasefire and delay the delivery of critical food, medical, hygiene, and shelter supplies.
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, warned that the restrictions would reduce life-saving assistance for civilians already struggling after months of conflict and deprivation. He echoed concerns from the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, stressing that people in Gaza require more aid, not less, simply to survive. He also noted that the measures would hamper efforts to assist communities affected by escalating violence in the West Bank, where displacement and humanitarian needs are rising.
The planned restrictions include new registration and operational requirements for international NGOs, which could significantly limit their ability to deliver aid. Humanitarian leaders have urged Israeli authorities to revoke the measures, warning that they would disrupt essential aid delivery and contravene Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law.
Mr. Lazzarini noted that these steps follow legislation targeting UNRWA, which has already affected humanitarian operations, forming a troubling pattern that could set a dangerous global precedent. He emphasized that failing to push back against such attempts threatens the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, impartiality, and humanity.
Humanitarian agencies continue to warn that access constraints, insecurity, and bureaucratic obstacles prevent aid from reaching people in need across the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Any further restrictions could have immediate and potentially fatal consequences for civilians dependent on humanitarian assistance. UN officials and aid leaders continue to call for unimpeded access, respect for international law, and the protection of humanitarian personnel and operations.
