Gaza Civil Defense Reports Catastrophic Humanitarian Crisis Amidst Bombardment and Aid Shortages
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the primary cause of the crisis in the Gaza Strip is the continuation of bombardments, the killing of civilians by Israeli occupation forces, and the prevention of aid and shelter for the displaced, stated Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. Basal emphasized that since the start of the war, Gaza has been subjected to daily attacks, with the occupation leading to the destruction of homes and a complete disruption of residents’ lives, creating a full-blown catastrophe.
The Civil Defense spokesperson highlighted that the occupation’s strategy regarding aid entry is based on “drip-feeding” small quantities, a situation that is exacerbating the humanitarian conditions. Basal pointed out that the suffering of Gaza’s residents is no longer confined to constant bombardment and killings but also includes severe environmental challenges due to the lack of shelter and infrastructure.
Addressing the harsh natural elements residents face, including unstable winter weather and intense summer heat, Basal stated, “Children are dying, families are left homeless, and the humanitarian situation is truly dire. Anyone who thinks the war is over is delusional; perhaps its form or pace has changed.” He confirmed that relevant authorities and international organizations are aware of the situation in Gaza, but responses have been limited due to the occupation’s obstruction of essential needs.
Basal reiterated that the occupation relies on a “drip-feed” strategy for aid, with current cross-border traffic operating at only about 40 percent of its nominal capacity. The humanitarian aid received covers approximately 43 percent of the actual needs. He added, “In Gaza, there is no tent that has not been damaged by rain. Thousands of tents have been flooded, leading to the outbreak of skin and infectious diseases from living in damp and unhygienic conditions.”
The Palestinian official underscored the necessity of a clear international decision to end the suffering of Gaza’s residents, stating that such decisions must be accompanied by the immediate entry of all essential supplies to save the entire service delivery infrastructure.
