UN agency voices alarm over impact of winter on Gazans as nearly 1M need urgent assistance

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday said it is 'deeply alarmed' by the devastating impact of winter on displaced people in Gaza, saying nearly 1 million people still need urgent assistance. '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,' IOM Director General Amy Pope said in a statement. Noting that heavy rains and flooding have overwhelmed displacement sites and makeshift shelters, the IOM said that 'systematic access constraints,' as reported by the UN humanitarian office, have severely hindered aid delivery, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter support since September 2024. 'As of mid-December, the Shelter Cluster, a coordination group of UN, international and local humanitarian organizations, estimates at least 945,000 still urgently need winterization assistance, such as thermal clothing, blankets, and tarps to seal-off shelters from the rain and cold,' it said. The agency reiterated its call for a cease-fire to enable the safe and immediate delivery of life-saving aid to those in desperate need. 'IOM also renews its call for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, release of all hostages and allow safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained humanitarian access,' it said. 'The people of Gaza deserve safety, shelter and dignity,' it said, voicing readiness to mobilize aid and support displaced communities if humanitarian access is granted.