(MENAFN) UN Flags Escalating Winter Hardship in Gaza, Rising Displacement in West Bank
As winter nears, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains critical, the UN warned Tuesday, with ongoing hostilities worsening relief efforts and displacements increasing across both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partner organizations are intensifying efforts to assist civilians — particularly children — who have “suffered immensely” over the past two years.

Over the past two months, aid groups have distributed tens of thousands of essential items to help residents prepare for the colder season, including clothing, blankets, shoes, and towels for children throughout the Strip. “And during the last 10 days of November, 160 activity tents were distributed, enabling thousands of children to access mental health and psychosocial support activities and case management services,” Dujarric added.

On healthcare, he noted that a World Health Organization (WHO) team oversaw the medical evacuation of 18 patients and 54 companions from Gaza to receive treatment abroad. “WHO said that more than 16,500 patients still need life-saving care outside of the Gaza Strip.” He stressed the importance of keeping all border crossings and corridors open to allow patients to seek treatment, including in the West Bank, and called for “unimpeded access for international emergency medical teams to enter Gaza.”

“Over the past 24 hours, we’ve continued also to receive reports of air strikes, shelling and gunfire in all five governorates of the Gaza Strip,” Dujarric reported.

Turning to the West Bank, the UN spokesperson said it remains concerned about recent operations by Israeli forces in northern governorates such as Tubas and Jenin, which have reportedly caused displacement, insecurity, damage to water infrastructure, and the closure of several commercial establishments.

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