Palestinians in Gaza Face Winter Woes Amid Escalating Conflict

The onset of winter and intensified conflict in the Gaza Strip are compounding the challenges faced by Palestinians, prompting concerns from their relatives in the UAE. 

The UN Human Rights Chief highlights the lack of safe spaces in Gaza due to Israel’s conduct of hostilities, with thousands forced into increasingly confined areas, exposing them to inadequate living conditions.

Humanitarian Crisis Amid Israeli Offensive:

As Israel escalates its offensive against Hamas, aid agencies warn of rising deaths, displacement, and destruction. 

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine reports an additional 60,000 people seeking shelter in overcrowded UNRWA facilities. 

The situation is exacerbated by heavy rain, making makeshift tents unsuitable for habitation and increasing the need for essentials such as blankets, food, stoves, and fuel.

Expatriates in the UAE Express Concern:

Palestinian expatriates in the UAE express anxiety about the safety and well-being of their families in Gaza. The aid blockade compounds the humanitarian crisis, preventing the delivery of essential supplies. 

Expatriates emphasize the urgency of providing blankets, clothes, and fuel to withstand the winter and addressing the lack of medical resources for those who fall ill.

Health Concerns and Lack of Resources:

Residents in Gaza face challenges related to health, with concerns about the shortage of medicines and the inability to access medical treatment due to damaged infrastructure. 

The World Health Organisation warns of potential disease outbreaks surpassing the impact of bombings, highlighting the urgent need for sustained aid efforts.

UAE’s Humanitarian Aid Efforts:

The UAE has been actively engaged in humanitarian efforts through its ‘Tarahum for Gaza’ campaign, sending essential supplies to the region. 

The campaign includes blankets, ready-to-eat food, and medicines. While acknowledging these efforts, expatriates stress the importance of continuous support to address the multifaceted challenges in Gaza.

Advocacy for Sustained Aid and Winter Relief:

Palestinian expatriates in the UAE advocate for increased aid trucks delivering essentials to Gaza, emphasizing the need for warm shelters, food, and fuel. 

The combination of ongoing conflict and harsh winter conditions heightens the urgency of providing comprehensive relief to ensure the survival and well-being of the people in Gaza.