Today's top news: Syria, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo

A resident removes snow from a tent top in Newroz camp for the internally displaced in north-east Syria. The camp, which houses more than 5,000 people, has been hit by a snowstorm. Photo: Shelter/NFI Sector

#Syria

Dozens of displacement sites hit by snowstorm, leaving thousands of people exposed to freezing temperatures

OCHA says that thousands of displaced people in the north of the country have been affected by a snowstorm, as humanitarian funding further contracts.

Last week, on 31 December, a snowstorm hit 90 displacement sites across the governorates of Aleppo, Idleb and Al-Hasakeh, affecting more than 150,000 people.

Humanitarian partners report that two infants died due to extreme cold in the area of Harim in northern Idleb.

Some 5,000 shelters were completely or partially damaged, leaving thousands of people exposed to freezing temperatures, putting them at risk of hypothermia and respiratory diseases.

Displacement sites in the cities of Al-Hasakeh and collective shelters in the city of Ar-Raqqa have no fuel left as previous fuel support ended in December due to funding shortages.

Humanitarians have provided more than 10,000 displaced people in camps with stoves and fuel since the snowstorm hit the region.

The UN and its partners need $112 million for life-saving winter assistance from September 2025 to March 2026. So far, only $29 million has been received, leaving a 74 per cent funding gap.

#Occupied Palestinian Territory

December winter storms affected several thousands of people, blowing away tents

OCHA says further progress has been made in scaling up humanitarian response, despite persistent impediments.

Humanitarian partners leading shelter interventions say that winter storms in December affected some 65,000 households. Tents were blown away or damaged, homes collapsed under storm conditions, and personal belongings were soaked. In several locations, entire displacement sites were flooded due to inadequate drainage and low-lying terrain.

During December, aid workers supported about 80,000 families with more than 40,000 tents, over 135,000 tarpaulins, and nearly 115,000 other items, including mattresses and blankets. This work has continued into 2026.

In a publication issued yesterday, partners working in shelter stress that tents cannot serve as the primary and sole shelter option in Gaza, as they offer only temporary protection. They urge an accelerated shift towards more sustainable solutions, including repairs to damaged homes. At the same time, they warn that insufficient land is available for people seeking to relocate to areas at lower risk of flooding. With recent rainstorms offsetting some of the gains made during the ceasefire, partners estimate that more than one million people across Gaza still require urgent emergency shelter assistance.

OCHA adds that the latest winter storms also damaged temporary learning spaces and roads used by aid workers to bring much-needed supplies into Gaza.

Partners leading emergency telecommunications report that last week they finalized the delivery of security communications equipment that had been pre-positioned in Jerusalem awaiting approval to enter Gaza since August 2024. While this is critical to strengthen the safety of humanitarian operations, teams note that other equipment, including key power-supply solutions, continue to be denied access.

Telecommunications teams note that hostilities destroyed key equipment across Gaza, and ongoing import restrictions severely limit the ability to restore and deliver planned services.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory with urgent support.

#Sudan

Violence continues to drive people from their homes in Kordofan

OCHA warns that escalating violence particularly across the Kordofan region continues to put civilians at extreme risk and drive new waves of displacement.

In South Kordofan State, displacement has increased sharply in recent days. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that between 31 December and 4 January, violence drove nearly 1000 people to flee in Al Quoz locality, Kadugli town and El Berdab village.

Yesterday, another 2,000 people were uprooted from Um Dam Haj Ahmed locality in North Kordofan State. In total, between 25 October and 30 December, some 65,000 individuals were displaced from multiple locations across the Kordofan region.

And today, in the city of El Obeid, also in North Kordofan State, the Sudan Doctors Network reports that a drone attack allegedly claimed the lives of 13 civilians, including children.

Once again, OCHA reiterates its urgent call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, the protection of civilians, and rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.

#Democratic Republic of the Congo

Violence surge in Ituri province leaves more than 87,000 people cut off from aid

OCHA sounds the alarm over a surge in violence in Ituri province, in the east of the country, which continues to cause human suffering and severely disrupts life-saving operations in the region.

The town of Bule and nearby areas have experienced ongoing hostilities since December 5th. Local authorities report that at least 25 civilians have been killed and more than 40 injured over the last month.

Humanitarian partners tell us that the insecurity has effectively cut off more than 87,000 internally displaced persons, who are currently living in and around Bule town, from assistance. These families face critical shortages of food, healthcare and clean water.

Local authorities also report that at least 17 people died between 5 and 29 December in the area due to harsh living conditions, lack of medical care and hunger.

Due to the volatile security situation, no humanitarian groups have been able to operate in the affected areas for more than a month. This suspension of aid is further deepening the vulnerability of those who have already been forced to flee their homes, many of them multiple times.

OCHA reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and assets.

Safe, predictable and unhindered humanitarian access is essential to deliver life-saving assistance and to prevent a further deterioration of the situation. Humanitarians stand ready to scale up as soon as access is secured.

*Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support.