Urgent: International Immigration expresses its deep concern about the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip

   The International Organization for Migration (IOM) expressed its deep concern about the devastating impact of winter rains and freezing temperatures on displaced Palestinians in Gaza, which is in addition to the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe that the Strip is witnessing.

According to the United Nations Information Center, the Director-General of the Organization said: Amy Pope said that a number of people are at risk, including at least seven infants who died due to hypothermia… pointing out that these tragic deaths confirm the urgent need. For Gazans to have immediate access to shelter and other assistance.

 

According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, heavy rains and floods have submerged displacement sites and temporary shelters across the Gaza Strip, exposing families to harsh conditions. Hard as they struggle to repair damaged tents after months of use, and systematic restrictions on access have severely hampered aid delivery, with only 285,000 people receiving shelter support since September. The Shelter Group – a coordinating group for the United Nations and international and local humanitarian organizations – estimated that as of the middle of last month, at least 945,000 Gazans were still in urgent need of assistance to face the winter, including Thermal clothing, covers, and tarpaulins to insulate shelters from rain and cold.

The International Organization for Migration stressed that deaths due to winter can be avoided, noting that it had delivered nearly 180,000 items of Partners’ emergency shelter elements have been inside Gaza since mid-November and have more than 1.5 million units of other winter supplies, including insulation kits, tents and bedding sets, ready in warehouses and entry points but severe access restrictions are preventing them from reaching those in need.

The organization renewed its urgent call for a ceasefire to enable the safe and immediate delivery of life-saving aid to those most in need of it… calling on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and release… For all hostages and to allow safe, rapid, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access.

The UN agency said: “The people of Gaza deserve safety, shelter and dignity.” Confirming its readiness to mobilize support for displaced communities and provide humanitarian access.

For his part, United Nations Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said: UNRWA is the backbone of the humanitarian response, and we believe that it cannot be replaced… adding: “The collapse of its operations if this legislation takes effect will cause enormous hardship to people who are already experiencing extreme hardship.” Haq stated that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made it clear that if UNRWA is unable to carry out the tasks assigned to it, “Israel, as the occupying power, will be forced to assume these responsibilities.” In accordance with international law.

For his part, the Commissioner-General of the Agency, Philippe Lazzarini, said: The Knesset draft law, which is scheduled to prohibit the work of UNRWA in the occupied Palestinian territory, will enter into force in less than four weeks, stressing that It is part of broader efforts to erase Palestinian history and identity.

He added: UNRWA is committed to survival and providing services, stressing that it has been a lifeline for two million people since the outbreak of the war. In Gaza nearly 16 months ago, the Agency’s health services provided 6.7 million medical consultations – at a rate of more than 1,600 consultations per day – while 730,000 people received psychological and social support.

Lazzarini continued: Hundreds of thousands Of displaced Palestinians are living in UNRWA shelters in Gaza today, and nearly two million people have received food aid from the agency. Referring to the vaccination campaign implemented by the agency and its partners, In which 560,000 children under the age of ten were vaccinated against polio.

As for the occupied West Bank, the Commissioner-General said: More than 50,000 girls and boys are registered in UNRWA schools, and the agency provides access to health care. The primary goal for half a million Palestinian refugees… adding: “There is no other UN agency that does such work. UNRWA can only be replaced by an effective Palestinian state that addresses the plight of refugees.” The Palestinians, and this can be achieved through political will and diplomacy, it is time to change course, set priorities and work for peace.”  

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