UNRWA says Storm Byron aggravated extreme dire conditions in Gaza
In a public statement issued Tuesday, UNRWA said Storm Byron has significantly increased the dangers confronting people who were forced from their homes and are now crowded into inadequate shelters exposed to severe weather. “Storm Byron is worsening the already dire living conditions of thousands of people living in tents or damaged shelters,” the agency said.
The organization noted that the storm has amplified existing risks, as overcrowded camps and unstable buildings offer little protection against heavy rain, strong winds, and cold temperatures. While relief efforts are ongoing, the agency stressed that Israeli authorities have, for months, prevented it from directly delivering humanitarian assistance into Gaza, severely limiting the amount of aid that can reach those in need.
According to the statement, fatalities have been reported after weakened buildings collapsed on families seeking refuge, and children have died as a result of exposure to the cold. “This must stop,” the agency said, urging that humanitarian access be restored without delay. “Aid must be allowed in at scale, now.”
Since last week, widespread flooding has turned thousands of tents sheltering survivors of Israel’s war into waterlogged enclosures, soaking bedding, clothing, and food supplies. As a result, hundreds of Palestinian families have been left without warmth or adequate shelter while facing freezing conditions.
Officials also highlighted the scale of the housing crisis, stating that Gaza requires roughly 300,000 tents and prefabricated housing units to meet even the most basic shelter needs after two years of destruction to the territory’s infrastructure.
More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has left much of the enclave in ruins. The fighting paused under a fragile ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
