Palestinian foreign ministry urges urgent global action to avert Gaza humanitarian disaster as winter sets in

The Palestinian foreign ministry has urgently called for global action to prevent a humanitarian disaster in Gaza as winter approaches. The ministry warned that further delays could result in more casualties, particularly among children, the elderly, and the sick. With two million people living in dire conditions across nearly 270,000 tents and shelters, the ministry noted that around 60% to 85% of these shelters are worn out and unsafe after three years of conflicts.

Over 400,000 displaced individuals are in perilous areas prone to flooding and rainwater accumulation. Lack of winter clothing, blankets, mattresses, and safe heating, compounded by power outages and fuel shortages, poses a direct threat to their lives. The ministry urged immediate implementation of UN Security Council resolutions and practical measures to counteract Israeli occupation crimes.

They called for unrestricted access to all crossings to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to meet the population's massive needs. The ministry also emphasized the urgent need for fuel, equipment, and materials to operate water and sewage pumps, remove rainwater and wastewater, and protect camps and displacement sites from flooding.

Winter shelter needs, including temporary housing and insulation materials, were urgently required to prevent deaths from severe cold. Additionally, they called for an urgent health response, including medicines, medical supplies, clean water, and disinfectants, to combat diseases and epidemics linked to deteriorating environmental conditions.

The ministry stressed the international community's ability to respond and pressure Israel to activate these measures, ensuring aid delivery and preventing further deprivation of basic necessities and protection for the Palestinian people.