Gaza City – The United Nations has issued urgent calls for the immediate removal of all restrictions hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Officials warn that recent heavy rains, flooding, and plummeting temperatures have drastically worsened the already dire situation for residents.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, voiced his concerns in a statement, noting, “Palestinians in Gaza are suffering from the cold and wet conditions following recent rains. Frustration is mounting as floodwaters rise, destroying what little possessions they have left.”
Fletcher emphasized that while the UN and its partners are working to provide assistance, the needs far outweigh the current capacity. He directly appealed to Israel to urgently lift the remaining restrictions on aid delivery to allow for a significant increase in humanitarian support.
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, addressed the issue during a press briefing at UN headquarters. He stated that humanitarian personnel from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are actively distributing tents, plastic sheeting, and other essential relief items to families affected by the heavy rains.
Haq further announced that the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process has allocated $18 million from the Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territory to support critical operations throughout Gaza. He explained that the severe weather conditions have exacerbated the already precarious living conditions in the region, and these funds will facilitate projects addressing basic needs such as food, water, healthcare, and shelter.
Recent storms, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall, have inundated the Gaza Strip, leading to the flooding of tens of thousands of tents sheltering displaced individuals. This has deprived many of their last remaining shelter and belongings, following the destruction of their homes. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as winter sets in, underscoring the urgent need for unrestricted aid access.
