Life for Relief and Development Protects 5,000 Children from Harsh Winter Conditions in Gaza

As winter gripped the Gaza Strip, displaced families faced severe cold with limited access to adequate clothing. Following months of crisis and displacement, thousands of children were living in overcrowded shelters or makeshift camps across Deir Al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City.

 With over 5,000 children lacking proper winter garments, exposure to rain, wind, and low temperatures significantly increased the risk of respiratory infections and other cold-related illnesses. Many families had lost their belongings and were unable to afford basic winter essentials amid widespread shortages and rising costs.

In response, from Dec. 22 - 31, 2025, Life for Relief and Development funded an emergency winter relief initiative that distributed 15,000 winter clothing items and pairs of shoes to vulnerable children across the Gaza Strip. The project directly reached 5,000 children under the age of 18, prioritizing displaced families, female-headed households, and those living in temporary shelters. Through organized procurement and carefully coordinated distributions, LIFE ensured that winter jackets, warm clothing, and sturdy shoes reached children during the peak of the cold season.

The impact was immediate and deeply felt. Children who had been confined indoors due to the cold were able to move freely, attend daily activities, and sleep more comfortably at night. An estimated 10,000 additional family members benefited indirectly, as the assistance reduced financial pressure on already struggling households. Amina, a 9-year-old beneficiary, shared through her mother:

 “For the first time in months, she stopped shivering at night. The jacket made her smile again.” Beyond warmth, the clothing restored dignity, protection, and a sense of normalcy for children enduring extraordinary hardship.