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Gaza Residents Appeal for Winter Aid Amid Shelter Shortages

Khan Younis:Gaza: Displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza Strip are urgently requesting tents, blankets, and basic supplies as winter approaches, citing concerns that shelter shortages and dwindling humanitarian aid could leave thousands vulnerable to rain, cold, and strong winds.

According to Anadolu Agency, dozens of displaced residents held a protest in the Fash Farsh area in Khan Younis. They called on international organizations and donors to provide shelter materials, food, and essential supplies, all amidst the ongoing blockade by Israel.

Protesters carried signs, one of which read, 'Our tents are torn and our stomachs are empty. Do not leave us to the unknown.' Families expressed fears of repeating past winters' experiences, where heavy rains flooded and damaged tents, exposing residents to severe weather conditions. Previous winters have resulted in deaths, including those of children, due to harsh weather and collapsing buildings.

Iyad Zomor emphasized the need for tarpaulins, tents, food, and health supplies to withstand the impending heavy rain and winds. Similarly, Iyad Al-Shaer noted that many existing tents offer insufficient protection from the cold, rain, or wind, and urged humanitarian organizations to act before the weather worsens.

Ahmed Hassan Al-Najjar, overseeing the Fash Farsh area, reported that 35 displacement camps currently shelter about 6,000 families, roughly 40,000 people. He highlighted the critical shortages of tents, tarpaulins, food parcels, and medical supplies, calling for urgent assistance.

Palestinian figures indicate that since October 2023, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,000 injured in Gaza, with 90% of the enclave's infrastructure destroyed.