Gaza Strip:The Higher Winter Emergency Committee in the Gaza Strip has refuted claims from the office of the head of the Israeli occupation government regarding contributions and coordination efforts for a comprehensive winter preparedness plan. The committee asserts that these claims are misleading and serve as an attempt to absolve the occupation of its responsibilities towards the humanitarian situation in the region.
According to Maan News Agency, the committee issued a statement highlighting the disparity between the occupation's claims of facilitating "winter facilities" and the actual conditions on the ground. The statement criticized the ongoing prevention of essential supplies such as rainproof tents, thermal insulation, and rainwater drainage pumps, leaving displaced individuals vulnerable in inadequate shelters.
The committee further emphasized that the limited supplies allowed into the Gaza Strip are insufficient and serve primarily to improve the international image of the occupation. It accused the occupation of using the humanitarian needs of the population as leverage, given the strict control over crossings and the imposed siege.
The committee has called upon the international community and the United Nations to exert significant pressure on the occupation to immediately and unconditionally open the crossings. This would enable the entry of necessary building materials, adequate housing, and fuel to support municipal operations, thereby preventing an impending environmental and health crisis as winter approaches.