Occupied Palestinian Territory Emergency Response: Activity Update #52, 1 - 31 January 2026

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remained severe throughout January 2026, despite a ceasefire, with the population facing acute shelter needs, displacement, and challenges in aid delivery amid harsh winter conditions. Nearly the entire population of Gaza remained displaced in January, with at least 1.3 million peo1.3 million people sheltering across more than 970 sites, predominantly concentrated in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. According to the Shelter Cluster, over 1 million people require emergency shelter assistance. Heavy rains and flooding rendered thousands of tents uninhabitable and placed nearly 800,000 people—almost 40 percent of the population— at heightened risk in flood-prone displacement sites.

Despite an increase in humanitarian aid since the declaration of a ceasefire on 10 October 2025, needs on the ground are not being met at scale. Damaged roads, limited warehouse capacity, and restrictions on materials continued to impede effective delivery, response quality and durability, and longer-term recovery efforts. Specifically, partners highlighted persistent challenges in accessing essential shelter sealing materials, including nails, timber, and other basic items required for repairs and weatherproofing.

A significant disruption to the humanitarian response emerged on 1 January when Israeli authorities announced the suspension of operations for several international non-governmental organizations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The UN Secretary-General expressed deep concern and called for the measure to be reversed, emphasizing the essential role of INGOs in delivering life-saving assistance.

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