Gaza: Calls for urgent action as thousands of tents are flooded

Image provided by Rev Richard Sewell

Rev Richard Sewell, Dean of St George's College, Jerusalem writes:

'The first heavy rain of winter has hit the Holy Land and Gaza is under water. For the third year millions of people in the Gaza Strip are living in tents or in dangerous housing. Just a few short miles away, people live in absolute comfort and safety with all their needs met.

There are natural disasters and there's planned destitution. This is the latter and it is measured by the absolute failure to effect the humanitarian intervention which is required. And it's not only the flooding and destruction of flimsy tents, it's lack of food and nutrition, lack of adequate medical facilities and even basic medicines.

To allow this catastrophe to continue while the 'peace plan' is frozen, is a further stain on the conscience of the world.'

In a statement the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for "urgent international action to prevent a further humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza."

Aid agencies report that more than 70,000 tents housing tens of thousands of citizens, have been engulfed in water and raw sewage. Walls of remaining buildings where people have sought shelter have collapsed.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says: "about one million Palestinians face harsh humanitarian conditions, distributed over nearly 270,000 tents and shelter sites in various governorates of the Strip, while estimates indicate that between 60% and 85% of the tents have become dilapidated and unfit for use, after about three years of genocide and forced displacement. More than 400,000 displaced people live in areas of high risk, exposed to floods and rainwater accumulation or falling on the beach.

"The displaced people lack winter clothing, blankets, bedding, and safe heating means, amid a power outage and fuel shortage, which makes exposure to cold and rain a direct threat to their lives.

"In the face of these dangers, the Ministry states that what is needed is not just launching humanitarian calls, but an immediate transition to implementing the decisions of the Security Council, including Resolution 2720 and Resolution 2803, and implementing practical and tangible measures to confront the crimes of the Israeli occupation, demanding:

1. Immediate pressure on Israel, the occupying force, to open all crossings and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions or obstruction, in quantities that match the huge needs of our people, and to ensure their delivery to all areas of the sector.

2. Urgent entry of fuel and necessary equipment to operate water pumps and sewage systems, remove rainwater and wastewater accumulations, and implement emergency interventions to protect camps and displacement sites from floods.

3. Immediate provision of winter housing needs, through the entry of temporary housing, rain and wind-resistant tents, plastic awnings, water and heat insulation, and materials and equipment to repair damaged and collapsing homes.

4. Delivery of winter clothing, blankets, bedding, and safe heating means to the affected, especially children, infants, the elderly, and the sick, to prevent deaths due to the severe cold.

5. Launching an emergency health and preventive response, including providing medicines, medical supplies, clean water, and sterilisation materials, and enhancing health care services, combating diseases and epidemics related to water pollution and deteriorating environmental conditions.

6. Replenishing and introducing the necessary logistical and technical equipment to support municipalities, specialized agencies, civil defence teams, and relief teams, enabling them to implement urgent interventions to protect civilians and displaced persons."

The Ministry emphasises that "the international community, countries, and institutions possess the necessary tools and capabilities to respond and pressure Israel to act without delay to ensure the delivery of aid and humanitarian supplies, and not allow the continued deprivation of our people's most basic necessities and protection.

"Leaving two million Palestinians facing death, rain, cold, floods, and sewage water without protection and shelter or basic needs means exposing their lives to a danger that can be averted."

The Ministry "calls on the international community, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, and international humanitarian and relief organisations to take immediate and coordinated action to save lives in the Gaza Strip and address the escalating humanitarian and environmental catastrophe as winter sets in.The Ministry stresses that urgent action must go beyond statements of concern.

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. The time to act is now."

LINKS

Catholic aid agencies working in the region include:

Catholic Near East Welfare Association

CAFOD/Caritas Jerusalem Middle East Appeal

Friends of the Holy Land