The UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) has issued an urgent warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip as winter approaches. The IOM stressed that almost the entire population of the Strip is in dire need of tents and urgent shelter assistance to cope with harsh weather conditions, while Israeli occupation authorities continue to impose severe restrictions that impede the flow of essential supplies.
In a statement released yesterday evening, the IOM explained that concerns are growing about the devastating impact of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which the UN Meteorological Agency predicts will be the strongest on record this year. The organization warned that this phenomenon will bring torrential rains that could cause widespread flooding, exacerbated by the extensive damage to drainage systems and infrastructure in the Strip. This threatens the further deterioration and collapse of already unsafe buildings damaged by bombing.
In detailing the crisis, the organization’s Executive Director, Amy Pope, confirmed that nearly two million people in the war-torn Gaza Strip urgently need shelter assistance. She revealed that aid agencies on the ground have so far been able to meet only 17% of the total winter shelter needs.
Boob stressed the need for international action, saying, “Families who have already suffered repeated displacement and devastating losses must be able to face the winter in safety and dignity.” She pointed out that the severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities make it extremely difficult for UN and international agencies to expand their humanitarian response to save the displaced.
