The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said nearly all residents of the Gaza Strip need tents or other shelter assistance ahead of winter, amid forecasts of heavy rainfall and flooding risks, while shortages of essential supplies continue due to Israeli restrictions.
اضافة اعلان
In a statement, the UN agency said the El Niño climate phenomenon, which could be among the strongest on record according to the UN weather agency, could further weaken unsafe buildings and trigger flooding that may be exacerbated by severe damage to Gaza’s drainage systems.
IOM Director General Amy Pope said around two million people in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip need assistance, noting that aid agencies have so far been able to meet only around 17% of winter shelter needs.
Pope said families who have endured repeated displacement and devastating losses must be able to face the winter safely and with dignity, adding that restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities are making it difficult for agencies to scale up their response.
The organization said Israeli authorities have not allowed around 8,600 emergency shelter kits to enter the Gaza Strip. The supplies include wood, tarpaulins and other essential materials, which have been classified as dual-use items.
