Gaza ceasefire still fragile as cold turns deadly, Security Council hears

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile, while humanitarians continue to face obstructions in delivering aid to the people, a senior UN official working to promote greater peace in the region told the Security Council on Tuesday. 

Ramiz Alakbarov, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, provided the update during his quarterly briefing on Council resolution 2334 (2016) which calls for Israel to cease settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

He said the UN is doing its part to support the ceasefire.

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Key to recovery

The truce came into effect in October and is based on a plan put forward by United States President Donald Trump, with mediation by the country alongside Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye.

Speaking from Jerusalem, Mr. Alakbarov urged Israel and Hamas to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint, and adhere to international law, including relevant UN resolutions. 

“The ceasefire must be consolidated to enable recovery and reconstruction in Gaza,” he said.

Cold kills newborn

Meanwhile, winterization efforts are underway, and the UN is distributing tents, blankets and other essential supplies to the population. Still conditions remain dire, and the risk of hypothermia is increasing.

“Tragically, the first hypothermia-related death of a two-week-old newborn boy from Khan Younis was confirmed earlier today,” he said.

He stressed that “preserving and expanding operational space for the UN and its humanitarian partners, including through the renewal of NGO registration, is critical.”

Clean water shortage

Mr. Alakbarov expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in the enclave.

“While hunger has improved due to increased aid and commercial foodstuffs, key protein sources remain out of reach for most of the population, alongside severe shortages of clean water, medical care, and shelter,” he said.

As humanitarian access remains restricted, with aid convoys facing logistical and security obstacles, he called on all parties to allow the full, unimpeded entry of humanitarian assistance.

Heavy rains and flooding continue

Heavy rains are compounding the already dire conditions families in Gaza are facing, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said, briefing journalists on Tuesday.

“Our partners report that the storm continued overnight and into today, causing severe flooding of more than 40 designated emergency shelters – mostly in Khan Younis and Gaza City,” he said.

Latest estimates indicated that some 700 tents were damaged or otherwise impacted by the flooding and thousands of people are affected.

Teams helping to manage displacement sites are clearing blocked drains and pumping floodwater away from shelter yards. 

Commitment to deliver

Despite the ongoing challenges, the UN and partners have been working to address needs across the Gaza Strip.  

On Monday, they coordinated nine humanitarian shipments with the Israeli authorities.  Four were facilitated and three were impeded but eventually completed their journeys.

“These missions allowed us to collect critical supplies from the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings – including food, fuel, blankets, tents, and winter clothing,” said Mr. Haq. 

The final two missions were impeded and only one was able to be partially accomplished. 

Rapid response system

Mr. Haq explained that humanitarians continue to provide support to affected families through a system that was set up for a rapid, joint response to flooding alerts.

It brings together UN agencies and NGOs to distribute tents, tarps, warm clothes, blankets and dignity kits.  

Last Saturday, partners provided some 7.5 kilos of high-energy biscuits per household to more than 1,000 families in various areas who were affected by the latest rainstorm.  

Additionally, distribution of veterinary kits resumed on Sunday after the bad weather forced a temporary halt.

Distributions initially began on 9 December, and 400 herders have received kits and animal fodder since then.