After the death of 7 infants, the International Organization for Migration: Deaths in Gaza due to winter are preventable

In a statement issued today, Friday, the Director-General of the organization, Amy Pope, said that a number of people are at risk, including at least seven infants who died due to hypothermia. “These tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for Gazans to have immediate access to shelter and other assistance.”

Torrential rains and floods have inundated displacement sites and temporary shelters across the Gaza Strip, exposing families to harsh conditions as they struggle to repair damaged tents after months of use. According to OCHA, systemic access restrictions have severely hampered aid delivery, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter support since last September.

The Shelter Cluster – a coordination group for the United Nations and international and local humanitarian organizations – estimated that as of the middle of last month, at least 945,000 Gazans were still in dire need of aid to face the winter, including thermal clothing, blankets and tarpaulins to insulate shelters. About rain and cold.

The International Organization for Migration stressed that deaths due to winter are preventable. It said it had delivered nearly 180,000 emergency shelter items to partners inside Gaza since mid-November and had more than 1.5 million units of other winter supplies – including insulation kits, tents and bedding sets – ready in warehouses and entry points. “But severe access restrictions prevent it from reaching those in need.”

The organization reiterated its urgent call for a ceasefire to enable the safe and immediate delivery of life-saving aid to those most in need. It also renewed its call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, release all hostages and allow safe, rapid, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access.

The UN agency said in its statement: “The people of Gaza deserve safety, shelter and dignity. IOM stands ready to mobilize aid and support displaced communities, but humanitarian access must be provided to make this possible.”