Summary: MCC’s partner in Gaza provides winter clothing to protect 1,500 children from the cold as they and their families shelter in bombarded houses with no heat.
By Jason Dueck
April 10, 2026
When it was finally safe for Amal and her family to return to their home in Gaza City, they could barely recognize it. The roof was partially destroyed. A thin layer of plastic sheeting stretched over the large gaps was all that kept wind and rain out of their living space. And nothing could prevent the water from dripping through the cracks that ran up and down the walls.
As the setting sun brought with it cold nighttime air, Amal and her younger sister* now had to decide which one of them would get to wear the one thin sweater they shared to keep warm.
Amal’s family had been forced to flee their home months ago as the Israeli military’s relentless bombardment of Gaza destroyed buildings and killed many. It was finally deemed safe for them to return home, but the home they returned to was now without infrastructure, reliable markets or access to basic necessities like food and clothing.
Amal’s mother, Mona*, says the cold winter weather they endured left her daughter sick.
“She tries not to complain,” her mother said. “But at night she shivers. We have no heater, and her clothes are not enough for this cold.”
Overnight temperatures in Gaza got as low as 7 C (45 F) over the winter, and combined with rain, humidity and lack of shelter or proper clothing, many Palestinian children have been left at even greater risk as a result.
MCC partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum heard from members of their community that children like Amal were suffering without the right clothes. In February, they bought and distributed 1,500 packages of children’s winter clothing to families in Gaza City.
The winter clothing packages included items like fleece sweaters and gloves, winter hat-and-scarf sets, socks, winter shoes and high-quality winter tracksuits. All the items were new, durable, appropriate for winter weather and culturally suitable.
“This is the first time since we returned that I felt my daughter was protected from the cold,” says Mona. “I cannot fix the house yet, but at least she is warm.”
In the days following the distribution, Amal spent more time outside with other children. Her mother says that her cough had lessened and that she seemed more energetic. While her family still faces many challenges, the winter clothing reduced some immediate health risks and restored a sense of dignity and stability during an otherwise fragile period in their lives.
Another mother in the area, Fatima*, says there was no way she could have gotten warm clothing for her children on her own.
“After our house was bombed, things have obviously become very difficult, and our financial situation is dire,” says Fatima. “I have 11 children — eight of them are twins — and this is the first time anyone has come to help us. We are all so grateful to [Al-Najd] for standing by us during this difficult time.”
*Names have been changed or omitted for security purposes.
Mennonite Central Committee: Relief, development and peace in the name of Christ
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Jason Dueck is a communications specialist for MCC Canada.
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