Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, warned of the serious consequences of the continued delays in delivering essential winter supplies to the Gaza Strip.
He cautioned that the ongoing delays, the blockade on supplies, and the decline in funding are exacerbating the suffering of the population and endangering their lives.
He emphasized that the delayed arrival of aid, the imposed restrictions, and the funding cuts are worsening the situation and endangering lives, stressing the urgent need to provide basic necessities to cope with the winter in Gaza.
He stated that Gazans face the risks of rain and harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter, risks that could have been mitigated if the UN had been allowed to deliver suitable tents and essential winter supplies, as well as enabling Palestinians to access open areas less prone to flooding.
Fletcher indicated that the supplies required under the UN plan include durable shelters, warm clothing, blankets, mattress covers, and safe heating equipment, in addition to generators, fuel, engine oil, spare parts, and equipment for
pumping
water, removing debris, and disposing of explosive ordnance. He called for an end to the delays and the opening of all crossings into the Gaza Strip, allowing key NGO partners to continue their work, ensuring the functioning of commercial markets, halting what he described as collective punishment, and providing the necessary funding to implement the humanitarian supply plan.
