Geneva, Switzerland - The UN on Friday decried that infants and others were freezing to death in Gaza, where it said an estimated 945,000 people still need help to shelter from winter conditions.

With children dying of hypothermia, the United Nations' migration agency said it was deeply alarmed by the "devastating impact" of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians, which were "adding to the unparalleled humanitarian catastrophe" in the Gaza Strip.

Heavy rains and flooding have overwhelmed displacement sites and makeshift shelters, while families are left exposed to harsh conditions, struggling to repair tents damaged from months of use, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

"Vulnerable people, including at least seven infants, have died from hypothermia, and these tragic deaths underscore the urgent need for shelter and other help to get to the people of Gaza immediately," said IOM Director General Amy Pope.

Joke of the Day Joke of the Night for January 2, 2025: The best jokes to laugh the day away

The agency said access constraints had "severely hindered" aid delivery, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter support since last September.

As of mid-December, the Shelter Cluster – a coordination group of UN, international, and local humanitarian organizations – estimated that at least 945,000 people still urgently needed winter assistance, IOM said.

There was a dire need, it said, for thermal clothing, blankets, and tarpaulins to seal off shelters from the rain and cold.

The IOM said it had more than 1.5 million winter supplies, such as tents and bedding kits, ready at warehouses.

However, "severe access restrictions prevent them from reaching those in need".

"The people of Gaza deserve safety, shelter, and dignity," it said.

Viral Video of the Day Viral Video of the Day for January 4, 2025: Mom and son duo share adorable giggles while shopping!

The IOM called for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, along with the release of all hostages.

Since Israel's genocide began in October last year, Gaza's 2.4 million residents have endured severe shortages of electricity, drinkable water, food, and medical services.

The vast majority of the territory's residents have been displaced at least once.

Israel has now killed more than 45,500 people in Gaza, the majority civilians, though the true death toll is believed to be much higher.