Attachments
Overview
This document outlines recommendations for winterization support as part of the Shelter Cluster's efforts to mitigate the risk of humanitarian suffering during the winter months. The response requires coordinated efforts from partners and timely implementation to provide Winter NFIs or Shelter assistance. Although Gaza does not have an extreme winter climate, with minimum temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius during nights, it suffers from rainy days, high humidity and strong winds, and the lack of adequate shelter and energy to heat them presents an additional challenge to all the multi-sectoral difficulties faced by families.
The conflict has prevented essential preparation for the winter, leading to an almost complete lack of essential building materials, NFIs and energy for cooking and heating. Shelters continue to deteriorate in the local climate, offering less and less physical protection, and requiring more and more upgrading as a result. The population suffers repeated displacement with limited capacity to transport their goods and NFIs and making it difficult to assess needs and set priorities. Given the current number of displaced persons and growing humanitarian needs, increased efforts are needed to enhance the response, prioritizing vulnerable people without proper shelter (Collective Centers and spontaneous makeshift settlements). Special attention should be given to women, children, and individuals with specific needs. The winterization programs should complement other Shelter Cluster responses.
Timeline
Winterization assistance must be received in a timely manner when it is needed most. Although the various stages of planning, procurement, and distribution are generally arduous and time-consuming, the current situation in Gaza makes these timelines even more unpredictable. Logistical restrictions and uncertainties regarding supply and distribution lines necessitate advancing the procurement processes to ensure timely delivery. Cluster partners must complete their beneficiary’s selection and procurement processes well in advance to begin distribution before mid-October.
Modality of Assistance
At the time of writing these recommendations, market distortions, lack of supplies and difficulty in accessing cash make in-kind distributions advisable over Cash and Voucher Assistance. However, in-kind distribution also has its limitations due to import restrictions for certain items, lack of storage capacity, and difficulties in humanitarian distribution due to fuel shortages. It is advisable to make a specific analysis before deciding on the most appropriate assistance modality and the evolution of markets and liquidity in Gaza needs to be closely monitored. Whatever assistance modality is chosen, the outcome of the activity should be to cover the identified winter needs and cash distribution cannot be considered an outcome.