Hamas warns of humanitarian catastrophe, urges global relief efforts as winter sets in
The Hamas Movement warned on Friday of a looming humanitarian disaster threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as a severe winter storm has turned refugee camps into muddy swamps, flooding worn-out tents that can’t withstand the rain and freezing temperatures.
In a press statement, Hamas said that the scenes of collapsing tents, soaked bedding, and thousands of families left out in the open reflect the harsh reality imposed by the ongoing Israeli siege. The Movement held Israel fully responsible for the humanitarian suffering endured by Gaza’s residents.
Hamas described the situation as a “catastrophic scene created by the criminal Zionist occupation,” warning that any delay in international intervention could escalate the tragedy and lead to even more casualties and suffering.
The Movement emphasized that thousands of Palestinian families have been left without shelter to protect them from the cold, in the absence of the most basic necessities. The ongoing Israeli blockade has prevented the entry of humanitarian aid, tents, and caravans, worsening the crisis and putting everyone at risk of death.
Hamas called on all guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, the United Nations, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to act swiftly to deliver humanitarian, medical, and shelter aid to Gaza. The Movement also stressed the urgent need to increase field and popular support to ensure the protection and survival of displaced Palestinians.
Meanwhile, Mahmoud Bseil, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, stated in a press briefing that several shelters were flooded by the storm in its early hours, causing severe damage to thousands of tents. He confirmed that the Civil Defense lacks the necessary equipment to carry out rescue operations or respond to flooding, as Israeli forces have destroyed all related equipment.
Bseil confirmed that several shelters were flooded due to the recent storm, severely affecting tents as water poured inside.
In a press statement, he pointed that thousands of tents were damaged, and clothing and bedding were soaked. He pointed out that local authorities have no alternatives to house residents facing extreme hardship due to the ongoing war, now in its second year.
He stressed that civil defense teams are struggling to deal with flooding incidents, especially after Israeli forces destroyed all equipment necessary for such emergencies. “We can only evacuate people and remove immediate threats, we cannot handle the scale of destruction we’re seeing,” he said.
Bseil also reported the flooding of an entire floor at “Patient’s Friends Hospital,” which houses many children. Civil Defense was unable to assist due to the harsh conditions, according to Safa News Agency.
He added that Gaza’s service infrastructure is collapsing, with municipal services unable to meet residents’ needs under current catastrophic conditions. He described these services as “primitive” and unfit to address the population’s needs.
With more rain and storms expected this winter, Bseil warned that Gaza’s already damaged homes may collapse due to flooding or water infiltration, as the war has severely weakened the infrastructure.
He concluded with a grim warning: “Gaza is facing an extremely catastrophic and dire situation. The scenes we are witnessing are painful and require urgent international intervention to end the suffering of Gaza’s residents and save their lives.”