UN condemns delays on getting supplies into Gaza ahead of winter

As winter approaches, Israel's blockade of supplies into the Gaza Strip could lead to more deaths from the cold, according to the UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are still residing in thin tents, and Fletcher has condemned the delays, warning that they could worsen the situation. He urged the immediate opening of all border crossings with Gaza, allowing UN partners to work and for commercial markets to function.

Fletcher emphasized that the world is not powerless to end this predictable, preventable suffering. He pointed out that people were initially told to wait for the Israeli elections in October 27, but now they are being asked to wait until a government has been formed. Fletcher stressed that international humanitarian law does not permit such excuses, emphasizing that lives are at stake and a people is at risk due to the delays.

The UN could provide decent tents and essential winter kits, he stated. Israel controls the deliveries into Gaza, and Fletcher mentioned that the UN is awaiting delivery permits for warm clothing, blankets, bedding, better shelters, heating, generators, petrol, engine oil, and equipment for water pumping and clean-up work. These materials are often rejected by Israel, citing the fear that terrorists could use them against Israeli soldiers.

Fletcher also pointed out that the situation would be better if Palestinians in Gaza were not crammed into a narrow strip of land. According to the UN, the Israeli military claims that more than 60% of the Gaza Strip is under its control, a figure the UN suggests could expand to 70%.