Respiratory illnesses rise in Gaza with worst to come as winter floods arrive, WHO says

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Friday that crucial winter supplies are reaching the Gaza Strip, attributing the delay in rehabilitation to Hamas, which they claim is exploiting humanitarian infrastructure and aid. Over the past week, an additional 2,000 tents have arrived in the Strip, raising the total from over 91,000 on Monday to more than 93,000 since winter began.

Simultaneously, hundreds of trucks laden with winter essentials have entered Gaza, increasing the overall count from 8,200 on Monday to over 8,600. These supplies include medical equipment and medications, such as dialysis fluids, defibrillators, incubators, ultrasound machines, and physiotherapy tools. The IDF and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) are collaborating with international partners to meet the winter season's demands.

The military emphasized that Hamas remains the main barrier to the Gaza Strip's rehabilitation and a brighter future for its inhabitants. Hamas continues to misuse humanitarian infrastructure and incoming aid, particularly the winter supplies being transported into the Strip. The IDF stressed that until Hamas disarms, the rehabilitation of the Gaza Strip will remain impossible.

On Monday, the Trump administration's Board of Peace (BoP) urged Israel to expedite the entry of winterization and humanitarian supplies into Gaza, criticizing the lack of progress in approving essential materials following recent severe flooding affecting thousands of displaced Palestinians. The BoP described the situation as an immediate humanitarian emergency, highlighting the urgent need for shelter, sanitation, drainage, and other supplies to safeguard against the impending winter weather.