Gazans turn blankets into winter clothes through 'Needle and Thread' initiative

Another winter wave in war-torn Palestine has left displaced Gazans worried about protecting themselves from the cold, prompting them to sew winter clothes from blankets in a desperate effort to stay warm.

Nida Attia, who found shelter in the tent located near the coastal area of Khan Younus with her volunteers, attempted to find a solution to save people from the harsh second winter since the the war began. 

She said cutting and sewing in the tent is very difficult, as the “entire work is manual and labour intensive.” They use bicycle peddles to operate the sewing machine due to a lack of electricity.

The relentless Israeli bombing violated the fundamental rights of Palestinians and pushed even the toddlers into the tents in the chilly winter, “so we thought a lot about how we could find the solution to the lack of fabrics,” Attia said while sharing her idea with Reuters. 

“We have come up with the idea of recycling thermal blankets into winter clothes,” she added. 

"Needle and Thread Initiative," which she began in September, now helps people cover themselves in the cold weather at low prices, ranging from 70 to 120 shekels ($18-$30). For those who bring their own blankets, the prices are even lower.

The harsh weather, with cold temperatures and strong winds, caused extreme discomfort for Gazans as last year's rains flooded some shelters.

At least 2 million people in Gaza have been displaced by Israel’s relentless assault on the coastal enclave.

“We have been displaced for more a year now, we lived through one winter, and now winter is coming again,” said a lady, who was originally from Gaza City but found shelter in Al- Mawasi after displacement.  

The Israeli military offensive has left Palestinians destitute, forcing them to sell their possessions, including second-hand clothes, to afford basic necessities.