Gaza faces humanitarian catastrophe as storm Byron approaches
GAZA, Dec. 11 (YPA) -Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, warned of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in displacement camps due to a polar low-pressure system, stressing that 1.5 million displaced people are enduring dire conditions.
He explained that hundreds of thousands of families are living in worn-out tents. Gaza urgently needs 300,000 new tents to meet minimum shelter requirements, but only about 20,000 have entered—just 7% of the actual need.
The Byron storm has flooded thousands of tents and destroyed large amounts of food, mattresses, and blankets.
He reported that over 10 mobile medical points broke down, essential supplies were lost, and medical teams struggled to reach the flooded areas.
Al-Thawabta said displaced people have “lost the minimum necessities of life,” living in tents that offer no protection from cold, wind, or rain.
He emphasized that this crisis is a direct result of the Israeli blockade, which prevents the entry of tents, insulation materials, sanitation equipment, heating, and alternative energy.
Almost 288,000 Palestinian families remain without shelter as Storm Byron approaches the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza’s Government Media Office.
Around 250,000 tents and mobile homes were expected to enter Gaza, but officials say 6,000 aid trucks are currently stuck at the crossings because Israel is preventing their entry.
A previous storm had already submerged tens of thousands of tents, turning camps into muddy flood zones, with initial damages exceeding $3.5 million. More than 22,000 tents were completely destroyed, along with tarps, insulation, and blankets.
Temporary water networks collapsed, clean water mixed with rainwater, absorption pits burst in crowded areas, and pathways in displacement centers and schools were damaged.
Al-Thawabta held “Israel” fully responsible for the humanitarian disaster and its widespread consequences, calling the blockade a “policy of collective punishment” targeting civilians’ dignity and safety.
He urged the UN, guarantor states, the US president, and mediators to act immediately to lift restrictions and allow the entry of tents, heating, energy, water, and sanitation supplies.
Al-Thawabta warned: “The delay in response may open the door to a larger catastrophe that cannot be contained, and puts the international community before its legal and ethical responsibilities.”
@E.Y.M