ERUSALEM, STATE OF PALESTINE (HRNW) — UNICEF has launched an urgent US$97.5 million winter response appeal to protect approximately 540,000 children and their families across the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as winter approaches amid displacement, inadequate shelter, flooding risks and disruption to essential services.
The UNICEF response will cover the period from October 2026 through March 2027 and focuses particularly on children living in damaged shelters, displacement sites and other vulnerable conditions.
UNICEF said nearly 84 percent of Gaza’s population — more than 1.76 million people — continues to live in overcrowded displacement sites or damaged and inadequate shelters, leaving families highly exposed to cold weather and heavy rainfall.
The agency warned that infants, young children and children with existing health conditions face heightened risks from hypothermia, respiratory infections, waterborne diseases and other preventable illnesses.
UNICEF reported that at least 11 children in Gaza, including infants, were reported to have died from hypothermia during the previous winter.
The planned response includes winter clothing, thermal blankets, emergency shelter reinforcement and tents for families in greatest need. UNICEF and its partners will also work on flood mitigation, drainage and road clearance, waste removal and weatherproofing of sanitation facilities.
The organization is also planning health and safety messaging and digital cash assistance to help vulnerable families meet urgent winter needs.
UNICEF said timely and flexible funding is necessary to purchase and pre-position supplies before severe winter conditions intensify.
The appeal comes as Palestinian children continue to face the effects of prolonged displacement, insecurity and disruption to basic services, with humanitarian agencies warning that winter could add another major threat to children’s health and survival.
Support Appeal
HRNW appeals to readers, civil society organizations, governments and human-rights supporters to strengthen independent human-rights journalism and public awareness through the World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency.
Support HRNW – World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency
Disclaimer
This article is based on information released by UNICEF concerning its winter response in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. HRNW does not independently verify all humanitarian figures or assessments cited by the organization.
