GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), Gaza’s Government Media Office (GMO) has warned of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe as a new severe cold wave grips the war-ravaged coastal enclave, reporting seven child deaths from frosts since the winter started.
In a statement released on Tuesday, GMO said that the new humanitarian crisis resulting from the harsh weather conditions in Gaza is compounded by Israel’s blockade, widespread destruction, and the lack of safe shelters.
As of Tuesday, January 13, the death toll from cold and collapsed structures in Gaza has risen to 24 victims, including 21 children, according to GMO.
“Over the past two days, strong winds and the recent low‑pressure system have wreaked havoc on nearly 7,000 tents, worsening the suffering of thousands of displaced families,” GMO noted.
“These figures represent a highly dangerous indicator of the escalating humanitarian tragedy, amid an almost total absence of heating means, the lack of safe shelters, a severe shortage of blankets and winter clothing, and the continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid in sufficient quantities,” GMO said.
GMO called on the international community, the UN, and humanitarian and rights organizations to take immediate action to provide Gaza families with safe shelters and ensure the unrestricted entry of heating items and relief aid to avert more deaths.
