As torrential rains hit Gaza and winter approaches, the level of suffering being inflicted on the people living there is beyond inhuman.
The charity Medical Aid for Palestinians describes the horror of what is unfolding there:
“Heavy rain and high winds over the weekend flooded tens of thousands of tents across Gaza. Families already living in desperate conditions saw shelters destroyed, belongings washed away, and access to healthcare further disrupted, while emergency responders struggled to reach those in need amid fuel shortages and damaged equipment. An estimated 65% of Gaza’s population is living in tents or makeshift shelters, while approximately 950,000 people are living in areas at medium or high risk of flooding. Almost the entire population needs shelter and other humanitarian assistance.
“Despite the immense levels of humanitarian need, and the legal obligation to facilitate aid entry, Israeli authorities continue to restrict the entry of shelter supplies, medication and equipment into Gaza. Israel’s direct military control of around 70% of Gaza also leaves Palestinians with few options to shelter in areas safer and less prone to flooding, while Israeli military attacks continue on a daily basis.”
To read the full story and statements, please click here.
Nobody can change the weather but make no mistake, there is nothing natural or inevitable about the catastrophic impact on the people of Gaza . It is the consequence of policies being deliberately imposed by the government of Israel.
The UK Foreign Secretary has issued a statement which describes Israel’s actions as totally unacceptable and demands unrestricted humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza. His clarity is welcome and now needs to be followed by action in practice by the UK and other countries to sanction and hold to account those responsible for the crimes being inflicted on the people of Gaza.
There are 197 countries in our world of 8.3bn people. How will history judge us if we do not act to stop suffering being inflicted on 2 million of our fellow human beings?
