Dozens of nations and international organizations have called on Israel to remove restrictions on humanitarian assistance entering Gaza, warning of deteriorating conditions ahead of winter. The joint statement, delivered by British Ambassador Sarah MacIntosh on behalf of countries participating in a Call to Action led by the UK, Qatar, and Jordan, highlights the urgent need for aid as winter storms and ongoing military operations deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Background Of The Crisis
The Gaza Strip has been experiencing a humanitarian crisis as a result of the Gaza war and blockade, which has resulted in significant shortages of fuel, food, medication, water, and essential medical supplies. The crisis includes both an ongoing famine and a healthcare collapse, with hospitals and healthcare facilities severely damaged or destroyed. According to the International Rescue Committee, over 73,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 174,000 injured since October 7, 2023. The crisis has been exacerbated by the recent winter storms, which have caused floods and landslides, damaging displacement sites, shelters, and humanitarian facilities.
Humanitarian Situation
The recent heavy rains and strong winds have affected thousands of people, with over 6,000 family shelters destroyed and 17,400 otherwise damaged. An estimated 65% of Palestinians in Gaza, or 1.4 million people, live in tents or makeshift shelters, making them vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and other preventable illnesses. The Site Management Cluster reported that over 3,900 households need shelter and non-food items support, while 26 sites need latrine rehabilitation, 32 need drainage and engineering support, and 37 need lighting support.
International Response
The international community has come together to demand more aid for Gaza, with the UK, Qatar, and Jordan leading the call to action. The coalition of countries and organizations has presented eight demands, including unrestricted humanitarian access through available crossings and land routes, the full operation of Egyptian and Jordanian humanitarian corridors, and approval of additional supplies classified as dual-use items. The participating countries and organizations have pledged to support winter preparations, including shelter, sanitation, water, and medical supplies.
What It Means For Families Across The Region
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has a significant impact on families across the region. With over 1.7 million people sheltering in 1,600 displacement sites, the crisis has caused immense suffering and displacement. The recent winter storms have only worsened the situation, with many families losing their homes and livelihoods. The international community’s call for more aid is a crucial step towards alleviating the suffering of these families and providing them with the necessary support to survive the winter.
As Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, stated, Israel has targeted a Hamas commander who stored weapons and conducted interrogations inside a hospital, which was bombed despite a ceasefire. However, for families like Ahmad Nabhan’s, who lost their loved ones in the flooding, the crisis is not just about politics, but about survival. As Um Al-Sahar, a 58-year-old grandmother, said, “Tell us where should we go?” The answer to this question is what the international community is trying to provide, with more aid and support to help families like hers survive the crisis. Over 20,000 households across 222 sites need shelter and non-food items support, and the number of people in need of assistance is expected to rise.
Sources
- Dozens of nations demand more Gaza aid, Israel blames Hamas for crisis
- Gaza humanitarian crisis
- Crisis in Gaza: What to know and how to help | International Rescue Committee
- UNRWA Situation Report #233 on the Humanitarian Crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem | UNRWA
- Aid groups call on Israel to allow shelters in Gaza amid a humanitarian emergency
- Humanitarian Situation Report: Heavy Rains in the Gaza Strip | 8 November 2026 | United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – Occupied Palestinian Territory
Photo: Mohammed Ibrahim / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
