Gaza shelters crisis: 288,000 Palestinian families left in dire conditions after tents flood

Human suffering in the Gaza Strip has worsened in recent days — with tens of thousands of families facing heavy rains with torn tents and virtually no shelter.

The United Nations announced on Tuesday that around 17,000 families have been directly affected by the weather conditions over the past three days, with children forced to sleep in the rain without adequate clothing, amid widespread malnutrition and weakened immunity.

The Government Media Office in Gaza described the humanitarian situation as ‘the most serious since the start of the Israeli aggression,’ stressing that hundreds of thousands of displaced people are facing severe cold without shelter or means of protection. This comes as a result of the occupation which prevents the entry of basic shelter materials and disrupts the implementation of the ceasefire.

Gaza shelters

According to the statement, more than 288,000 Palestinian families are living in harsh conditions after tens of thousands of tents were flooded with water, reflecting the extent of the international failure to provide the basic necessities of life for the population. The office warned that civilians urgently need 300,000 tents and mobile homes. In addition, basic supplies including blankets, plastic tarpaulins, heating and flooring are needed to prevent tents from turning into mud pools. They lack as well mobile sanitation facilities, insulation materials, energy and lighting supplies.

The statement accused Israel of continuing to restrict and prevent the entry of these urgent humanitarian supplies — in clear violation of international humanitarian law — which exacerbates the suffering of civilians. The office called on the international community, the US president and mediating countries to take immediate action to compel the occupation to fulfil its humanitarian obligations and expedite the distribution of materials that have recently been approved for entry.

For its part, the United Nations confirmed on Monday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains difficult, noting that its attempts to bring tents to those in need have been rejected at least nine times since 10 October, according to its spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. ‘People are struggling to access the essentials needed to survive,’ Dujarric said at a press conference, noting that humanitarian teams conducted a rapid assessment of the affected areas over the weekend and provided limited initial assistance.

Food security

Regarding food security, Dujarric explained that partners working in the sector reported that the increase in food parcels entering Gaza in recent days could allow for the resumption of the distribution of two food parcels and one bag of flour to all areas of the Strip.

With humanitarian challenges mounting and living conditions deteriorating, warnings continue of a deeper catastrophe that could trigger new waves of displacement, starvation and disease if urgent steps are not taken to secure the basic needs of the population and ensure unimpeded access for aid.

Featured image via OCHA