GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Hamas Movement accused the Israeli government of deliberately deepening and prolonging the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip despite the ceasefire agreement, calling for urgent international action to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, lift the blockade and hold those responsible for the continuing suffering of civilians accountable.
In a statement on Monday, Hamas said the destruction of essential infrastructure, continued attacks and restrictions on humanitarian relief were worsening conditions for residents and displaced families as winter approaches.
The Movement accused Israel of pursuing policies aimed at breaking Palestinians’ determination to remain steadfast and keeping the territory in a prolonged state of humanitarian emergency.
Hamas described Israel’s actions as a “full-fledged war crime,” citing restrictions on essential civilian supplies, the continuing blockade, obstruction of relief operations and ongoing military attacks.
It urged the international community to intensify diplomatic pressure and accountability measures to compel Israel to lift restrictions, ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance and hold Israeli leaders accountable for violations against Palestinians.
The Movement also called for increased public demonstrations worldwide, welcoming a large solidarity rally held in Amsterdam and emphasizing the importance of sustained international pressure to end the attacks and blockade.
The statement came after heavy rainfall flooded displacement tents across Gaza, destroying families’ belongings and exposing thousands to severe winter conditions.
On Sunday evening, five Palestinians, including three children, were martyred when a sand embankment collapsed onto tents sheltering displaced families at the Ard al-Ribat camp in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. Several others were injured.
The humanitarian emergency has been compounded by severe shortages of adequate shelter. Gaza’s Ministry of Public Works and Housing said the territory urgently needs approximately 270,000 tents, warning that the quantities permitted to enter remain insufficient to meet demand or replace deteriorating shelters.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s Civil Defense announced on Monday that most of its emergency vehicles in Gaza City and central Gaza had stopped operating because of shortages of spare parts and fuel, as well as soaring maintenance costs.
Only one rescue vehicle remains operational across central Gaza, severely limiting emergency response capabilities amid flooding, structural collapses and growing rescue needs.
The healthcare sector is also facing critical shortages. In a report published on November 5, Gaza’s Ministry of Health warned that 42% of essential medicines and half of medical consumables had run out, threatening the continuity of healthcare services.
These overlapping crises have left displaced families, patients and vulnerable residents facing simultaneous threats from inadequate shelter, limited emergency services and deteriorating healthcare.
Hamas stressed that the humanitarian situation continues to worsen despite a ceasefire agreement that was expected to facilitate an end to attacks and expanded humanitarian access.
