Warning of a winter catastrophe in Gaza.. 1.9 million displaced face cold and rain

The Government Media Office in Gaza warns of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe as winter approaches, with 1.9 million displaced people facing cold and rain in tents and damaged buildings. Ismail al-Thawabta calls for urgent international action to provide rain-resistant tents, blankets, winter clothing, and safe heating means, warning that delayed response will worsen the suffering of families who have lost their homes.

The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip warns of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe as winter approaches, with about 1.9 million displaced people out of 2.1 million facing harsh conditions in tents and damaged buildings that do not provide adequate protection from cold and rain. The office director, Ismail al-Thawabta, in press statements on Wednesday, calls on the international community, donors, and humanitarian organizations for urgent and coordinated action. Priorities include providing rain-resistant tents, blankets, winter clothing, safe heating means, tent insulation materials, preparing drainage networks for rainwater, and enhancing hygiene and public health supplies. The Ministry of Social Development confirms it has surveyed the conditions of displacement camps in coordination with local authorities. The most vulnerable groups—widows, orphans, the elderly, the sick, and people with disabilities—need special priority. The United Nations warns of flood risks and deteriorating living conditions. Al-Thawabta stresses that protecting the displaced is a collective humanitarian and moral responsibility, and demands international action to prevent winter from turning into a new crisis added to the destruction of war.