Mennonite Central Committee partner Al-Najd Developmental Forum bought and distributed 1,500 packages of children’s winter clothing to families in Gaza City.

Overnight temperatures in Gaza get as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Combined with rain, humidity and lack of shelter or proper clothing, many Palestinian children have been left at even greater risk as a result.

The winter clothing packages included items like fleece sweaters and gloves, winter hat-and-scarf sets, socks, winter shoes and high-quality winter tracksuits. All the items were new, durable, appropriate for winter weather and culturally suitable.

“This is the first time since we returned that I felt my daughter was protected from the cold,” said one mother whose roof was partially destroyed in the Israeli military’s relentless bombardment of Gaza. A thin layer of plastic sheeting is all that keeps rain and wind out of her home. “I cannot fix the house yet, but at least she is warm.”

While families still face many challenges, the winter clothing reduced immediate health risks and restored a sense of dignity and stability during an otherwise fragile period.

Another area mother said there was no way she could have gotten warm clothing for her children on her own.

“After our house was bombed, things have obviously become very difficult, and our financial situation is dire,” said the woman, whose name is omitted for security reasons. “I have 11 children — eight of them are twins — and this is the first time anyone has come to help us. We are all so grateful to [Al-Najd] for standing by us during this difficult time.”