Gaza’s needs in winter are spread across shelter, food, health care, water and psychological support, and the most urgent is shelter: the United Nations estimates that about 1.5 million people need urgent shelter support.
What are Gaza’s humanitarian needs in winter?
| Need | What was announced | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shelter | About 1.5 million people need urgent support, and 14,600 tents reached 85 thousand people in early December | United Nations, December 2025 and January 2026 |
| Food | Parcels for more than 230 thousand families in November, and about 1.6 million hot meals a day | United Nations |
| Health | 234 working health points, and 18 thousand patients waiting for evacuation, including 4,000 children | United Nations, World Health Organization |
| Education | 160 high-performance tents for educational activities | United Nations |
| Cash | Cash assistance to about 123 thousand families since the ceasefire | United Nations |
Why does shelter come first?
Because the tent is the first line of defense against cold and rain. Hundreds of tents were blown away or damaged in January 2026, leaving more than 3,000 people without cover, 800 thousand people live in flood-prone sites, and more than 60 occupied buildings in Gaza City are at risk of collapse.
What about food and health?
Food parcels reached more than 860 thousand people since the start of January 2026, and the United Nations provides about 1.6 million hot meals a day. On health, working health points rose from 197 to 234 after the ceasefire, but 18 thousand patients are waiting for medical evacuation.
How can I help meet Gaza’s needs in winter?
Take part through the donation page, and read about winter supplies for the displaced and the winter campaign in Gaza.
Frequently asked questions about Gaza’s needs in winter
What are the most urgent needs in Gaza in winter?
Shelter first, since about 1.5 million people need urgent support in it according to the United Nations, then blankets, warm clothes, hot food, health care and safe water.
How many hot meals are served daily in Gaza?
The United Nations provides about 1.6 million hot meals a day, and more than 860 thousand people have received food parcels since the start of January 2026, according to the United Nations spokesperson on 21 January.
What is the state of health care in Gaza in winter?
The number of working health points rose to 234 from 197 before the ceasefire, but more than 18 thousand patients, including 4,000 children, are still waiting for medical evacuation, according to the World Health Organization.
