The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) called on regional and international mediators on Monday to take urgent action to save civilians in the Gaza Strip, given the severe shortage of humanitarian aid and the inadequacy of the trucks Israel is allowing into the besieged territory.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the number of trucks entering Gaza “completely falls short of meeting the minimum basic needs.” He explained that most of the trucks permitted entry are designated for the commercial sector and carry supplementary materials that are “not essential” for the population, who are living in catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
The ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in effect since October 10, stipulates the entry of approximately 600 aid trucks daily. However, Israel is only allowing a maximum of about 200 trucks to enter, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.
Qassem stressed that what is needed is the entry of trucks carrying essential relief supplies in quantities sufficient to meet the needs of more than two million people. He pointed out that what is currently entering “completely does not cover shelter needs,” especially with the approach of winter and storms.
The movement’s spokesperson indicated that the situation on the ground confirms that the shelters and tents in the Gaza Strip are unfit for human habitation and cannot withstand harsh weather conditions.
A powerful storm last Tuesday damaged more than 22,000 tents belonging to displaced people, resulting in losses estimated at approximately $3.5 million, after rainwater flooded large areas of the camps, according to the Government Media Office.
Qassem explained that the relief protocol during the January ceasefire and the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement emphasized the necessity of bringing in mobile homes (caravans), calling on mediators and relevant countries to take “serious and urgent” action to facilitate their entry before the arrival of the next storms.
