Gaza Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Winter Approaches, Officials Warn

The government media office in Gaza announced on Tuesday that Israeli forces committed 5,147 violations of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip during its first year. These violations resulted in the deaths of 1,421 Palestinians, injuries to 4,983 others, and the arrest of 198 citizens. The office stated that these breaches demonstrate a lack of commitment to the agreement and a continuation of actions that have worsened the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. Israel was held responsible for the deteriorating conditions, the targeting of health, education, and infrastructure sectors, and the ongoing restrictions on essential supplies.

The office detailed that only 72,826 trucks entered Gaza out of a planned 210,600, representing less than 35% adherence to the agreement. Furthermore, only 13,785 travelers were permitted to leave out of an expected 35,000, a rate of approximately 39%.

With winter approaching, the media office warned of worsening humanitarian conditions. Over 1.5 million displaced individuals are living in approximately 270,000 tents, with 162,000 of these tents being dilapidated. There remains a critical need for shelter and basic necessities. Thousands of Palestinians are residing in cracked homes lacking safety standards, and over 255 buildings are at risk of collapse, potentially causing further casualties, reminiscent of the "Al-Saada" building collapse in Gaza City.

The media office urged the international community to pressure for the full opening of Gaza's crossings, allow patients and the wounded to travel for treatment, ensure the entry of essential supplies and humanitarian aid, including winter provisions, and to halt what it described as a policy of starvation and thirst.

These figures come amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement, which was signed on October 10, 2025, and understandings reached in July 2026 regarding the second phase of the truce. The violations have continued for 355 consecutive days since the ceasefire brokered by Arab and American mediators in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, took effect. Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on July 31, 2026, of a "new agreement" to begin the second phase of the Gaza "roadmap," violations persist across the Strip.