Palestinian Minister of Social Development Samah Hamad and UN Special Coordinator for the Peace Process Ramiz Al-Akramov warned of a worsening humanitarian situation for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as winter approaches, amid expanding displacement, rain-damaged tents, and shortages of relief supplies.
Hamad stated during a press conference held by the ministry today that approximately 2.1 million people in the Gaza Strip need protection and assistance during the winter, including more than 1.76 million living in crowded displacement sites. More than 65% of families reside in tents and temporary shelters, making them vulnerable to the dangers of cold, rain, and floods.
She pointed out that more than 1,600 displacement sites face increasing risks due to the accumulation of rainwater and floods and damage to sewage networks. Approximately 80% of the water infrastructure requires repair, and more than 300,000 families lack adequate protection from cold and rain.
For his part, Al-Akramov clarified that thousands of Palestinian families have lost their possessions, homes, and shelter supplies, forcing them to displace again. He noted that the fragility of the situation for Palestinians in Gaza is not a result of weather conditions, but rather the result of the destruction of homes, neighborhoods, infrastructure, water networks, and rain drainage systems caused by hostile actions.
He added that winter needs include approximately 200,000 tents and 200,000 tarps, along with blankets, winter clothing, bedding, heating means, and insulation, reinforcement, and repair materials. He stressed that approximately 30% of relief and shelter materials designated for response remain stuck at crossings.
These warnings come amid a worsening displacement and shelter crisis in the Gaza Strip. Reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that heavy rains and winds recently flooded displacement sites and damaged thousands of tents and shelters, amid a sharp shortage of shelter supplies and cold protection means.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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