GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Alliance of Palestinian Factions (APF) has called for organizing international solidarity days with the Gaza Strip on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 13, 14, and 15, to demand an end to the Israeli aggression, lifting the siege, and allowing the entry of aid, as the displaced persons crisis worsens following the flooding of tents and the sand collapse tragedy in Deir al-Balah.
The Alliance said in a statement on Monday that the events will take place under the slogan “Save Gaza… Stop the Aggression, Siege, and Starvation,” calling for rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations in front of embassies, international institutions, and public squares, with the participation of popular, trade union, student, and human rights forces, as well as Palestinian, Arab, and Islamic communities.
It demanded the permanent opening of the crossings and ensuring the flow of humanitarian, food, medical aid, and fuel without restrictions, stressing that the continuation of the siege and the destruction of the components of life double the suffering of the population with the onset of winter.
The APF called on Arab, Islamic, and world governments to take practical steps to pressure Israel, rather than settling for statements of condemnation and concern, demanding that the UN and international institutions act to protect civilians, provide their needs, and hold those responsible for violations accountable.
It urged the international media outlets and solidarity activists to intensify coverage of the Gaza population’s suffering and the repercussions of the siege, considering that solidarity should translate into continuous pressure and humanitarian initiatives.
The call comes days after heavy rains in Gaza flooded the tents of the displaced, damaging mattresses, blankets, and belongings, at a time when families lack safe housing alternatives.
The Gaza Center for Human Rights pointed to severe damage to camps in various areas, including west of Deir al-Balah, north of Nuseirat, Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Khan Yunis, amid ongoing restrictions on the entry of shelter supplies.
On Sunday evening, a sand cliff collapsed onto tents in the Ard al-Ribat camp in Deir al-Balah, which has resulted in the martyrdom of five citizens, including three children, and injured others.
The Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Gaza mourned the two siblings Maryam Ahmad Nabhan, 6, and Salah Ahmad Nabhan, 8, among the victims of the incident, noting that they were enrolled in Al-Matahin School east of Khan Yunis.
The ministry confirmed that the destruction of homes, schools, and shelters pushed families into tents lacking protection, holding Israel responsible for the continued exposure of children and displaced persons to danger and for obstructing reconstruction.
Following the tragedy, Civil Defense warned against residing near sand masses and slopes, especially during rain, and demanded the provision of safe shelter sites and equipment to enhance its disaster response capacity.
These demands collide with a severe shortage of shelter supplies, as the Ministry of Public Works and Housing announced the Strip’s need for about 270,000 tents, confirming that the quantities allowed to enter are insufficient to meet needs or replace worn-out tents.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense announced on Monday that most of its vehicles have stopped responding in the Gaza and Central governorates due to a shortage of spare parts, high prices of available ones, and the absence of fuel, explaining that only one rescue vehicle is participating in humanitarian missions at the level of the Central Governorate.
Under these conditions, the APF stressed that the residents of Gaza must not be left to face death, hunger, and cold, calling for transforming the three solidarity days into a movement pressing for the opening of crossings and providing the requirements of life and protection for the displaced.
