Winter Storms Worsen Gaza Humanitarian Crisis as UN Warns Aid Blocked

Gaza, December 18, 2025 – Winter storms have worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, affecting hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. Aid agencies say Israeli restrictions are stopping lifesaving shelter assistance from reaching those in need.

The United Nations confirmed it has tents, blankets, and other essential supplies ready to enter Gaza. However, access through border crossings remains blocked or restricted by Israeli authorities.

Storms Damage Homes and Kill Infant

In Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, a roof of a war-damaged home collapsed during the storm. Rescue teams pulled six Palestinians, including two children, alive from the rubble.

Tragically, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that a two-week-old infant froze to death, showing the extreme risks faced by young and elderly people living in inadequate shelters.

UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the storms damaged shelters and personal belongings, affecting around 30,000 children in Gaza. “Urgent repairs are needed to ensure these activities can resume without delay,” he said.

The Palestinian Civil Defence described the situation as a “true humanitarian catastrophe.”

Ceasefire Talks and Aid Access

The crisis comes as Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC. The talks focused on stabilizing the fragile ceasefire and ensuring humanitarian aid enters Gaza.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that aid must be allowed into Gaza unconditionally. He also discussed deploying an international stabilization force to Gaza after the war, which would act impartially.

“The second stage of the ceasefire agreement must move quickly,” Sheikh Mohammed said. US officials hope to announce early next year which countries will contribute troops to the force.

Violence Continues Despite Ceasefire

Despite ceasefire talks, violence continues in Gaza. At least 11 Palestinians were wounded in Israeli attacks in central Gaza City. The Israeli army said it is investigating after a mortar shell “missed its target.”

Israeli artillery shelling was reported east of Khan Younis, and two people were wounded in Tuffah, eastern Gaza City.

In the West Bank, Israeli troops shot a man in his 20s in Qalqilya. He was taken to hospital and is in stable condition.

Since October 2023, Palestinian authorities report 70,668 killed and 171,152 wounded in Gaza. In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led October 7 attack, with more than 200 taken captive.