'The Time to Act Is Now': Palestine Makes Urgent Appeal Over Gaza Crisis

The State of Palestine has called for urgent international intervention to prevent further loss of life in the Gaza Strip, warning that winter rains are worsening an already devastating humanitarian crisis affecting nearly two million displaced Palestinians.

Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Tamer Almassri, said the first rainfall had exposed the desperate living conditions of displaced families, with more than 70,000 tents reportedly flooded and buildings weakened by Israeli bombardment collapsing and leaving civilians injured.

“This is not simply the result of severe weather. It is the direct consequence of prolonged Israeli genocide, the widespread destruction of infrastructure, continued displacement, and the denial of essential humanitarian assistance and adequate shelter,” said Almassri.

He said nearly two million Palestinians were living in approximately 270,000 tents and displacement sites across Gaza, with an estimated 60 to 85 per cent of the shelters worn out and no longer fit for use.

More than 400,000 displaced people are reportedly staying in particularly vulnerable areas exposed to flooding, rainwater accumulation and coastal hazards.

The situation has been compounded by the destruction of sewage and drainage systems, electricity outages and fuel shortages, leaving children, older persons and patients without adequate winter clothing, blankets, mattresses and safe heating.

The State of Palestine is urging the international community, the United Nations and humanitarian organisations to move beyond expressions of concern and take coordinated action.

Its demands include opening all crossings to allow the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance, urgently supplying fuel and equipment to restore water and sewage systems, and providing emergency shelters, medicines, clean water and winter supplies.

Almassri said the international community had both the means and the responsibility to intervene, particularly by ensuring the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“Leaving nearly two million Palestinians exposed to rain, flooding, freezing temperatures and sewage, without adequate shelter or basic necessities, is exposing them to preventable suffering and loss of life,” he said.

“The time to act is now.