Israeli restrictions have left more than 560 thousand children without safe shelter in Gaza

In the written statement made by the UK-based organization, it was stated that the first storm of the winter season in Gaza was effective last weekend, and approximately 70 thousand tents were flooded in one day due to heavy rains.

In the statement, it was noted that families had to escape from flooded camps at night and more than 1,500 calls for help were made to civil defense teams in Gaza.

In the statement, it was stated that 1.2 million people, including more than 560 thousand children, corresponding to approximately 58 percent of Gaza's population, live in critical or disaster-level housing conditions.

The statement pointed out that children in Gaza, where temperatures dropped to 5 degrees, had to spend the fourth consecutive winter in worn-out tents or makeshift shelters, and emphasized that Israel's restrictions prevented the entry of materials necessary for protection from cold and floods to the region.

In the statement, it was stated that Israeli authorities restricted the entry of tents, tarpaulins, insulation materials, blankets, fuel, heating equipment and construction materials necessary for the repair of damaged structures, as well as more durable shelters.

In the statement, it was stated that more than 1 million people in Gaza need winter clothing, but the available materials can only meet 1 percent of this need, and it was reminded that 11 children were reported to have died due to hypothermia (dangerous drop in body temperature) last year.

In the statement, it was noted that more than 464 thousand people live in temporary shelters established in areas with high flood risk, especially in Mevasi, Deir al-Belah, Gaza city, north of Gaza and Rafah in the west of Khan Younis.

"Children are sleeping in floodwaters because Israeli authorities prevent the entry of supplies"

Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe Regional Director, whose evaluations were included in the statement, stated that tents and camps were flooded during last weekend's floods, children were shivering in the cold without winter clothes, and families lost the few remaining belongings.

Alhendawi said, "This is not just a result of bad weather conditions. While tents, shelter materials and fuel are waiting at the Gaza borders, children are sleeping in flood waters because Israeli authorities prevent their entry. This is a choice and children are paying the price." he said.

Pointing out that children have died due to hypothermia in Gaza in the last three years, Alhendawi underlined that these deaths are completely preventable.

Alhendawi stated that, as the occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure that civilians have access to the materials they need to survive, and that families are deprived of the basic opportunities necessary to protect children.

Calling on the international community to pressure Israel to open all border gates and allow tents, shelter materials, fuel and winter clothing to enter Gaza without restrictions, Alhendawi noted that donors should urgently increase their support to humanitarian aid efforts, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).