Gaza Civil Defense warns of intense cold wave threatening displaced civilians

GAZA, Jan. 23 (YPA) – The spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza, Mahmoud Basal, issued a warning about an intense cold wave expected to hit the region, bringing plummeting temperatures and strong winds.

He emphasized the severe risks this poses to civilians, particularly those living in displacement camps and damaged homes.

In a press statement on Thursday, Basal explained that the harsh weather conditions could lead to the collapse of buildings already weakened by prior bombardments.

He also warned of possible deaths and injuries from the freezing temperatures, especially among infants, the elderly, and the sick, many of whom are without heating, living in worn-out tents, and lacking even the most basic protections.

Basal noted that Civil Defense teams continue their operations under minimal conditions, facing critical shortages of equipment and fuel, which hampers their ability to respond quickly in such dire situations.

The spokesperson issued an urgent appeal to the international community, the United Nations, and human rights organizations, calling for immediate intervention and serious pressure to ensure the delivery of shelter materials, fuel, heating supplies, and essential humanitarian aid.

He stressed the need to urgently protect civilians before the bitter cold turns into a new disaster threatening lives across the Gaza Strip.

@E.Y.M