Attachments
SITUATION OVERVIEW
The humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) remains critical, with the 2026 Flash Appeal requesting USD 4 billion to assist three million people, while long-term recovery and reconstruction is estimated to require USD 53.2 billion over the next decade. IOM is requesting USD 170 million to assist in humanitarian and early recovery efforts for Gaza.
Severe weather conditions, including Storm Byron, across the Gaza Strip have led to further casualties from collapsed buildings and increased health risks such as hypothermia among babies and illnesses linked to overflowing sewage. IOM warns nearly 795,000 displaced Palestinians are at flood risk as communities are sheltering in overcrowded, unmanaged sites as well as low-lying, coastal, or debris-filled areas exposed to flooding. According to the Shelter Cluster, 65,000 houses have been affected by recent rainstorms, increasing overall needs while more than one million people continue to require urgent emergency shelter assistance.
The United Nations is doing its part to support the ceasefire and meet the staggering needs of the population. The United Nation's winterization efforts are underway, distributing tents, blankets and other essential supplies, reaching people where they are. Despite some improvements in aid delivery since the October ceasefire, humanitarian operations continue facing significant obstacles including bureaucratic impediments and access restrictions. Additionally, a 31 December deadline for international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) to meet new registration requirements by the Israeli authorities has raised major security and protection concerns, and puts dozens of organizations at risk of halting operations. This would have a catastrophic impact on the humanitarian response, while conditions remain dire and the risk of hypothermia is increasing with the onset of winter weather.