On Friday, Jan 2, 2026, the Office of the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General reported that over 1 million people in Gaza—almost half the population—still need urgent shelter assistance. 🏠❄️
Since the December ceasefire, humanitarians have:
- Distributed thousands of tents and hundreds of thousands of tarpaulins
- Supplied winter kits to help families face rain, wind and seawater waves
But harsh winter conditions mean many are still living in damaged makeshift tents, exposed to the elements.
Meanwhile, water, sanitation and hygiene partners face a growing pile-up of solid waste. Damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and inaccessible landfills have widened the gap between waste collected and waste accumulating in the streets.
On a brighter note, UNICEF-supported teams have removed 1,000 tonnes of solid waste every month, helping protect children’s health. Yet, UNDP warned in December that only a few temporary dumping sites are operational, heightening environmental and public health risks.
In a joint statement on Wednesday, the Inter-Agency Standing Committee urged Israeli authorities to reconsider plans that would ban many international NGOs from operating. These organizations, the IASC said, are central to delivering life-saving aid in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The road ahead remains tough, but solidarity can make the difference. 💪🌍
Reference(s):
Over 1 million in Gaza still urgently need shelter assistance: UN
cgtn.com
