The Palestinian Authority has issued an urgent appeal to the international community, particularly the United States and nations guaranteeing the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, to pressure Israel to expedite the entry of prefabricated homes and tents. This plea comes in response to severe weather conditions that are endangering the lives of thousands of displaced Gazans.
The Authority emphasized that the remaining tents within the Strip are dilapidated and offer no protection from the rain and cold, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. They called for the lifting of Israeli restrictions hindering the entry of mobile homes and shelter equipment.
A statement warned of the grave risks facing children, women, and the elderly with the onset of the rainy season. Heavy rains swept through the Gaza Strip, flooding displacement camps and adding to the suffering that has persisted for over two years due to conflict, despite the ceasefire agreement reached last month.
The first major storm of the winter season has already destroyed numerous tents and displaced thousands of families, amidst a severe shortage of basic services and infrastructure. Residents report widespread flooding of tents and low-lying areas, with floodwaters reaching the few possessions they salvaged from the rubble of their destroyed homes. Strong winds have also uprooted tents, especially in coastal areas like Muwasi Khan Yunis.
Amid these harsh conditions, citizens have launched repeated calls for help. A Civil Defense spokesperson in Gaza stated that they have received hundreds of calls from families whose tents have been damaged, warning that every delay in providing assistance endangers civilian lives. He called for tents to be secured and for earthen barriers to be erected around them to minimize damage.
The displaced population is enduring a catastrophic humanitarian situation, lacking basic necessities and facing a severe shortage of aid. Official estimates indicate that approximately 93% of the tents, roughly 125,000 out of 135,000, are no longer suitable for habitation. The Strip currently requires at least 250,000 tents and 100,000 caravans to provide temporary shelter until reconstruction efforts can begin.
The storm has also triggered a new wave of internal displacement within Gaza, as families seek safer locations to weather the winter cold. Videos circulating online depict the extent of the damage inside the tents and the inundation of civilian property, as residents struggle to protect their children amidst harsh conditions.
The governmental media office has warned of an increasing number of collapsing tents, adding to the already immense challenges faced by the displaced population.
