GAZA, (PIC)
From the north to the south of the Gaza Strip, images of suffering and oppression have repeated after the tents of displaced people were flooded due to heavy rains, while cold weather has affected children and women, who lack suitable clothing and blankets.
As the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip continues, rainwater has inundated the tents of displaced families, exacerbating the suffering of thousands who have lost their homes due to continuous bombardment.
Limitless suffering
In the city of Gaza, the majority of tents for displaced individuals, most of whom recently arrived from northern Gaza, have been submerged as the rain intensified, with no suitable places or even tents to shield them from the rain.
Um Mohammed, trying to warm her children in her embrace, said, “All the tents have drowned; what can we do? There are no homes or even schools to seek refuge in, and the tents are old and worn out, unable to withstand the heavy rains.”
The Baptist Hospital in the city has received many patients suffering from the effects of severe cold, according to media sources.
Calls for help
The Civil Defense in Gaza reported that it has received hundreds of calls from displaced people whose tents have been flooded. It explained that its teams can only relocate families to other shelters, which are often unsuitable, leaving them directly exposed to the cold and rain.
The Civil Defense issued an urgent call to relief organizations and those able to provide assistance to save the affected families and transfer them to safe locations.
Suffering in Al-Mawasi
The Al-Mawasi area in the south of the Strip experienced a harsh night as the weather system entered its second day. Heavy rains fell early this morning, leading to the flooding of dilapidated tents housing hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals.
Most of these tents lack even the most basic living conditions, offering no protection from strong winds or extreme cold. Over 100,000 tents have become unusable, forcing families to face shortages of heating and clothing amid extremely difficult conditions, especially for children and the sick.
Tragedy of displaced people in central Gaza
In western Deir Al-Balah, more than a million displaced people are living in tragic conditions. Most rely on charitable assistance for food amid the Israeli blockade that prevents the entry of relief supplies.
According to the Ministry of Health, seven Palestinians, including five children, died due to the cold this month, reflecting a tragedy that is increasing day by day, as families are trapped between the threat of Israeli bombardment and harsh weather conditions.
Humanitarian crisis
The Government Media Office (GMO) confirmed that the Israeli occupation army is creating a new tragic humanitarian crisis threatening the lives of thousands of displaced people as 81% of their tents have deteriorated with the onset of winter and severe cold waves. Displaced individuals are living in harsh conditions that have resulted in five deaths in recent days due to extreme cold and the destruction of housing by the occupation forces.
It confirmed that two million displaced people have been living in fabric tents for over a year, which have now become unusable due to the passage of time and weather conditions. Of the 135,000 tents, 110,000 have been rendered out of service, representing 81% that have completely deteriorated.
The GMO warned that this catastrophic humanitarian situation is a direct result of the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation army, which has completely destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes for these citizens, forcing them to live in tents lacking the minimum requirements for a decent life.
It pointed out that this deep humanitarian crisis continues before the eyes of the international community and international organizations, without any action taken, and without adopting practical steps to overcome this serious humanitarian crisis that is claiming the lives of displaced individuals and citizens.
It condemned in the strongest terms the criminal practices that have targeted innocent civilians and driven them into this ongoing suffering due to the criminal Israeli occupation.
It held the Israeli occupation fully responsible for the deterioration of humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, as well as the U.S. administration and the countries that supported and participated in the genocide, such as Britain, Germany, and France, and called on them to stop the genocide.
The GMO called on the international community to take immediate action and fulfill its active role in pressuring Israel to halt its genocide and aggressive practices, and to ensure the necessary support for the relief of the affected, primarily by providing shelter for every Palestinian family.
Continuation of Israeli bombardment
Amid this suffering, the Israeli occupation forces continued to bomb various areas of the Strip, resulting in more casualties among citizens. Since the onset of the aggression in October 2023, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been martyred, and over 108,000 have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.
In light of these conditions, hope remains pinned on the response of international humanitarian organizations to provide aid to the displaced who are facing a dual war from Israeli bombardment and harsh winter conditions.
