Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE State of Palestine has called on the international community, the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to take immediate and coordinated action to avert a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip as winter sets in, with thousands of displaced Palestinians facing flooding, freezing temperatures and inadequate shelter.
In a statement, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said the first rainfall has exposed the devastating conditions confronting forcibly displaced Palestinians, with more than 70 000 tents sheltering tens of thousands of people reportedly flooded.
He said walls and buildings already weakened by Israeli bombardment have also collapsed, causing injuries among civilians.
Ambassador Almassri said the unfolding crisis was not simply a consequence of severe weather but the result of prolonged Israeli military operations, widespread destruction of infrastructure, continued displacement and restrictions on humanitarian assistance.
He said Israel continued to obstruct the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2720 and 2803.
“Nearly two million Palestinians are enduring appalling humanitarian conditions across approximately 270 000 tents and displacement sites throughout the Gaza Strip,” he said.
“An estimated 60 to 85 percent of these tents are worn out and unfit for use, while more than 400 000 displaced people are living in particularly vulnerable areas exposed to flooding, rainwater accumulation and coastal hazards.”
Ambassador Almassri said the destruction of sewage and rainwater drainage networks was worsening the situation, exposing vulnerable communities to flooding, wastewater contamination and disease.
Children, older persons and patients were particularly at risk, with many lacking adequate winter clothing, blankets, mattresses and safe heating.
Electricity outages and fuel shortages were further increasing their exposure to life-threatening cold and preventable illnesses.
The ambassador called for the immediate opening of all crossings into Gaza to allow unrestricted and sustained humanitarian assistance, including fuel and equipment to restore water and sewage systems and remove floodwater.
He said urgent provision of emergency winter shelter, weather-resistant tents, waterproof materials and supplies to repair damaged buildings was also critical.
Ambassador Almassri urged humanitarian agencies to prioritise winter clothing, blankets, mattresses, medicines, clean water and sanitation supplies, particularly for children, infants, older persons and patients.
He said municipalities, civil defence teams and humanitarian responders also required essential logistical and technical equipment to protect civilians.
“The international community has the means and the responsibility to act. It must exert immediate pressure to ensure the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and guarantee the unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said leaving nearly two million Palestinians exposed to rain, flooding, freezing temperatures and sewage without adequate shelter or basic necessities was exposing them to preventable suffering and loss of life.
“The time to act is now,” he said.
