Aid organizations in Gaza: 150,000 tents stuck 50 kilometers from Khan Younis

The Humanitarian Country Team for the occupied Palestinian territory (HCT) said that the human losses and the destruction of shelter sites left by the recent rains in Gaza could have been avoided, but Israel's restrictive policies prevented vital aid from reaching the Strip.

The team explained in a written statement that "the devastating impact of the recent rainstorm in Gaza could have been avoided," noting that the deaths of civilians, including children, and the flooding of thousands of family shelter sites were not the result of the storm, but of obstructive Israeli political decisions.

The statement recalled that months ago the humanitarian community presented a plan to help Palestinians prepare for the 2024-2025 winter season, and set out what was needed for it to succeed: adequate humanitarian funding and expedited entry of vital materials, in addition to access to a wider segment of the population.

It stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to meet the basic needs of the population and secure the materials necessary for their survival, but it continues to prevent the entry of vital materials and to obstruct access to large areas of the Strip.

The statement noted that more than 150,000 tents prepared for Palestinians in Gaza are being held just 50 kilometers from Khan Younis, and pointed out that "access to shelter should not be linked" to political progress at a time when people's needs are this urgent. The statement affirmed that winter aid must reach families immediately to prevent further loss of life and preserve their dignity, explaining that people cannot wait.

The statement called on Israel to open all existing crossings into Gaza and to allow the immediate entry of sufficient humanitarian aid, warning that the lives of Palestinians are "at risk," and it called on member states to use their influence so that funds allocated for humanitarian work are not delayed.

The HCT includes UN agencies operating in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank and more than 200 local and international non-governmental organizations, within a strategic platform for decision-making and coordination.