The UN described conditions in Gaza as “dire”, even after a modest uptick in humanitarian deliveries. UN stressed that shortages of shelter, basic services and education continue to imperil hundreds of thousands of families, with children most severely affected.

Humanitarian actors reported scaled‑up immunisation efforts: a recent catch‑up campaign reached more than 6,000 children under three with vaccines against preventable diseases. Food assistance currently reaches at least 43% of Gaza’s population with daily bread rations, either free or heavily subsidised at under $1 for a two‑kilogram bundle, and monthly wheat‑flour distributions this month reached 1.2 million people. Over the past week, partners delivered tents, tarpaulins and winter items to more than 7,500 families, and provided winter clothing to 1,400 children; cash vouchers and in‑kind winterisation reached over 2,300 families.

Nonetheless, needs far outstrip support. More than one million people still require urgent shelter assistance, and over 90% of schools have been damaged or destroyed, UNICEF reports. Approximately 60% of school‑aged children lack access to in‑person learning. UNICEF plans to expand its Back to Learning programme to reach 336,000 children in 2026 through temporary learning centres linked to health, nutrition, and sanitation services. The UN described the opening of Rafah crossing as vital for medical evacuations and humanitarian flows.