Winter aid to Gaza is far from sufficient due to lack of funds and Israeli restrictions

UNOCHA Spokesperson Jens Laerke said to the AA correspondent, "A new winter season is approaching in Gaza. You had previously called for more aid to enter the region, stating that many people were staying in inadequate tents. Is there a changing situation regarding the aid? Or is there a risk of people losing their lives due to the cold this winter?" He answered the question.

"We are bringing most of the necessary supplies for the cold and rainy season, but we are far from sufficient. This is due to lack of funds and Israel's restrictions on a wide range of products." Laerke stated that the entry of engine oil, spare parts, generators, heavy machinery and special equipment into Gaza remains extremely restricted.

Laerke underlined that restricting these products hinders more sustainable housing solutions and risks causing critical services to stop if backup generators fail.

Laerke pointed out that preparations for winter were limited due to limited and unsafe access to lands within Gaza, and emphasized that these lands could otherwise be used for voluntary displacement and solid waste disposal from unsafe areas.

"Our health partners have warned that the combination of these problems could have life-threatening consequences for people in Gaza," Laerke said. he said.

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported that approximately 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where the humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli attacks continues as the winter season approaches, need emergency shelter assistance and non-food basic needs.