He said the UN is doing its part to support the ceasefire.
Key to recovery
The truce came into effect in October and is based on a plan presented by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, with the mediation of the country along with Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye.
Speaking from Jerusalem, Alakbarov urged Israel and Hamas to fully implement the ceasefire, exercise maximum restraint and adhere to international law, including relevant UN resolutions.
“The ceasefire must be consolidated to allow recovery and reconstruction in Gaza,” he said.
The cold kills the newborn
Meanwhile, winterization efforts are underway and the UN is distributing tents, blankets and other essential supplies to the population. Still, conditions remain dire and the risk of hypothermia is increasing.
“Tragically, the first hypothermia-related death of a two-week-old newborn child from Khan Younis was confirmed today,” he said.
He stressed that “preserving and expanding operational space for the UN and its humanitarian partners, including through the renewal of NGO registration, is essential.”
Shortage of clean water
Alakbarov expressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
“While hunger has improved thanks to increased aid and commercial foods, key sources of protein remain out of reach for the majority of the population.along with severe shortages of drinking water, healthcare and accommodation,” he said.
As humanitarian access remains restricted and aid convoys face logistical and security obstacles, he urged all parties to allow full and unhindered entry of humanitarian assistance.
Heavy rains and flooding continue
Heavy rains are exacerbating the already dire conditions facing families in Gaza, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a briefing with reporters on Tuesday.
“Our partners report that the storm continued overnight and into today, causing severe flooding of more than 40 designated emergency shelters – mainly in Khan Younis and Gaza City,” he said.
Latest estimates indicated that some 700 tents were damaged or otherwise affected by the floods and thousands of people were affected.
Crews helping manage displacement sites are clearing blocked drains and pumping floodwater away from shelter yards.
Delivery commitment
Despite the current challenges, the UN and its partners have been working to address needs throughout the Gaza Strip.
On Monday they coordinated nine humanitarian shipments with the Israeli authorities. Four were facilitated and three were prevented but eventually completed their trips.
“These missions allowed us to collect critical supplies at the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings, including food, fuel, blankets, tents and winter clothing,” said Mr. Haq.
The last two missions were hindered and only one could be partially completed.
Quick response system
Haq explained that humanitarian workers continue to provide support to affected families through a system that was created for a rapid and joint response to flood warnings.
It brings together UN agencies and NGOs to distribute tents, tarps, warm clothing, blankets and dignity kits.
Last Saturday, partners provided about 7.5 kilos of high-energy cookies per household to more than 1,000 families in various areas affected by the latest storm.
Additionally, the distribution of veterinary kits resumed on Sunday after bad weather forced it to be temporarily suspended.
Distributions initially began on December 9 and since then 400 herders have received kits and animal fodder.