PN Report
Islamabad : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has called on the international community, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, and international humanitarian and relief organizations to take immediate, coordinated action to save lives in the Gaza Strip. It warned of an escalating humanitarian and environmental catastrophe as winter sets in.
Flooded shelters and collapsed buildings
According to the Ministry, the first rainfall has exposed the devastating conditions facing forcibly displaced Palestinians. Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 70,000 tents sheltering tens of thousands of people have been flooded. Walls and buildings already weakened by Israeli bombardment have collapsed, injuring civilians.
The Ministry stressed that this is not simply the result of severe weather. It described it as the direct consequence of prolonged Israeli genocide, widespread destruction of infrastructure, continued displacement, and the denial of essential humanitarian assistance and adequate shelter. It also accused Israel of continuing to obstruct implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolutions 2720 and 2803.
Scale of the crisis
Nearly two million Palestinians are enduring appalling conditions across roughly 270,000 tents and displacement sites throughout Gaza. An estimated 60 to 85 percent of these tents are worn out and unfit for use. More than 400,000 displaced people live in areas particularly vulnerable to flooding, rainwater accumulation and coastal hazards.
The destruction of sewage and rainwater drainage networks compounds these risks. Children, older persons and patients lack adequate winter clothing, blankets, mattresses and safe heating. Electricity outages and fuel shortages leave them increasingly exposed to life-threatening cold and disease.
Six-point call for action
The Ministry stressed that action must go beyond statements of concern, and called for:
- Immediate pressure on Israel to open all crossings and ensure unrestricted, sustained entry of humanitarian assistance in sufficient quantities, reaching all areas of Gaza.
- Urgent entry of fuel and equipment to operate water and sewage systems and remove floodwater and wastewater.
- Provision of emergency winter shelter, including temporary housing, weather-resistant tents, waterproof materials and supplies to repair damaged buildings.
- Delivery of winter clothing, blankets, mattresses and safe heating supplies, particularly for children, infants, older persons and patients.
- An urgent health and preventive response, including medicines, medical supplies, clean water, sanitation materials and measures to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Entry of essential logistical and technical equipment to support municipalities, civil defence teams and humanitarian responders in protecting civilians.
Responsibility to act
The Ministry emphasized that the international community has both the means and the responsibility to act. It urged immediate pressure to ensure implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions and to guarantee unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
Leaving nearly two million Palestinians exposed to rain, flooding, freezing temperatures and sewage, without adequate shelter or basic necessities, the Ministry warned, subjects them to preventable suffering and loss of life. “The time to act is now,” it concluded.
