Displaced Palestinians are facing urgent challenges as heavy rains inundate their temporary shelters in Gaza City’s makeshift camps. The United Nations has highlighted that current Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid have left hundreds of thousands of families without essential shelter, exacerbating their vulnerability during the harsh winter months.
Abdulrahman Asaliyah, a displaced resident, emphasized the dire need for proper tents capable of shielding families from the biting cold. He detailed the distressing scene of numerous residents laboriously attempting to drain floodwaters from their living areas, with many personal items, including mattresses and clothes, already soaked.
The local civil defense agency reported that the flooding predominantly affected Palestinians in northern Gaza, where large numbers have returned following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas last month. Additional flooding incidents were noted in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, prompting rescue agencies to call on the international community to intensify efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of those whose homes were ravaged during the conflict.
Aid organizations highlighted that approximately 260,000 Palestinian families, amounting to nearly 1.5 million individuals, face vulnerabilities as winter approaches. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) stated that while it possesses enough shelter supplies for up to 1.3 million Palestinians, it has faced challenges in delivering aid due to ongoing restrictions that hinder access to sufficient resources.
Angelita Caredda, director of the Middle East and North Africa region at the Norwegian Refugee Council, noted the critical time window for protecting families from the impending winter elements, pressing for immediate action. Despite the October 10 ceasefire facilitating increased humanitarian access, numerous organizations stress that significant gaps remain regarding food, medicine, and shelter supplies for Palestinians in need.
Reports from across Gaza indicate mounting anxiety among displaced residents about the forthcoming winter, particularly given their current living conditions. Observations noted by journalists reveal that even short bouts of rain can lead to severe flooding in makeshift tents, which have become fragile and worn over prolonged use.
Many families, lacking alternative options, continue to inhabit overcrowded shelters and tent camps despite the challenges. Concerns have been raised about the basic needs of Palestinian children, who often lack appropriate clothing or blankets to fend off the cold.
In light of these worsening conditions, community members are calling for enhanced support and the swift delivery of essential supplies, exemplifying the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity.
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