UNICEF Expresses Regret Over Deaths of Children in Gaza Due to Severe Weather Conditions
El Gisr – Exclusive – Gaza
UNICEF expressed deep sorrow over the tragic and preventable death of seven-year-old Atta May, who drowned on 27 December due to severe flooding in an informal displacement camp in the Al-Sudaniya area, northwest of Gaza City.
According to a UNICEF statement, Atta is the latest child in Gaza to lose their life due to harsh winter conditions and the lack of safe shelter. At least five other children have also died this December under similar conditions, the statement said, citing Edward Baghdadi, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
The statement added that Atta was living in a camp of 40 tents for displaced families, which were severely damaged by continuous heavy rains, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, placing the residents at significant risk.
UNICEF reported that Atta went missing in the afternoon, and despite rescue efforts supported with heavy equipment, his body was recovered only hours later. All of Atta’s siblings are under ten years old, and the family had previously suffered the loss of their mother during the war. UNICEF is currently supporting the family with essential supplies, including blankets, waterproof tarpaulins, psychosocial support, and assessing other needs.
Edward Baghdadi highlighted that this tragedy underscores the extreme vulnerability of children in Gaza’s most affected areas, where the near-total destruction of homes and water and sanitation infrastructure leaves families exposed to weather hazards.
Heavy rains, strong winds, and freezing temperatures this week have affected around 100,000 families living in temporary shelters lacking adequate protection. With more rain and colder temperatures expected, conditions are likely to worsen.
Teams visiting the displacement camps reported shocking conditions no child should endure, with many tents blown away or completely collapsed. The rains exacerbate the crisis by increasing the need for fuel to pump sewage and drain rainwater. For example, the water level in Sheikh Radwan Lake rose from 1.8 meters to 2.2 meters, requiring 7,000 liters of fuel daily to prevent flooding.
Baghdadi stated that UNICEF, as part of its emergency winter response, continues to provide vital support to thousands of affected families in cooperation with UN partners. This includes installing temporary water lines, distributing hygiene kits, waterproof tarpaulins, blankets, women and girls’ supplies, and ensuring access to toilets. Teams are also cleaning and reopening sewage networks, clearing rainwater drains, and protecting tents from flooding.
He emphasized: “Children in Gaza have suffered enough. They have the right to protection and safe shelter, and all efforts must prioritize meeting this basic need. There is also an urgent need for large-scale delivery of all life-saving supplies and essential survival materials, including items previously restricted, to address critical water and sanitation needs.”
UNICEF called for unrestricted access to water treatment materials, spare parts, and other essential supplies needed to repair, maintain, and operate water and sanitation systems across Gaza. It also urged a sustainable increase in fuel supplies to prevent flooding, exposure to sewage, and health risks, including the spread of diseases linked to disrupted solid waste collection.
