The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says it is “deeply alarmed” by the impact of freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports.
“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 get to the people of Gaza immediately,” said IOM Director-General Amy Pope.
As of mid-December, the Shelter Cluster — a group of UN, international and local humanitarian organisations — estimated “at least 945,000 [Palestinians] still urgently need winterization assistance such as thermal clothing, blankets, and tarps to seal off shelters from the rain and cold”, it said.
The organisation added it delivered “nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items” to partners inside Gaza since November, and has “over 1.5 million more winter supplies … ready at warehouses and entry points, but severe [Israeli] access restrictions prevent them from reaching those in need”.
