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The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates called on the international community, the United Nations (UN) and humanitarian organizations to intervene urgently in response to the worsening humanitarian and environmental disaster in the Gaza Strip as winter begins.

In its statement, the ministry said that the first rainfall in recent hours had revealed the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "According to initial estimates, more than 70,000 tents sheltering tens of thousands of people have been flooded. Parts of buildings and walls damaged by Israeli attacks and bombardments have collapsed, causing injuries among civilians," the statement said. The ministry argued that the situation was not caused solely by adverse weather conditions, but that the destruction of infrastructure and restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid had further aggravated the disaster.

The statement indicated that approximately two million Palestinians in Gaza are living under severe humanitarian conditions in nearly 270,000 tents and shelter sites, with 60 to 85 percent of the tents deteriorated and no longer suitable for use. It also noted that more than 400,000 displaced people are living in dangerous areas exposed to flooding and flash floods or located near the coastline. The ministry emphasized that extensive damage to sewage and rainwater drainage systems has increased the risks, while children, elderly people and patients lack winter clothing, blankets, mattresses and safe heating facilities.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called on the international community to pressure Israel to open all border crossings and ensure the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid. The statement also called for fuel and equipment to operate water and sewage systems, temporary shelters and rain-resistant tents, winter clothing and blankets, medicines and medical supplies for healthcare services, as well as logistical support for municipalities and civil defense teams.

The ministry stressed the need to implement United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2720 and 2803 and called for humanitarian appeals to be translated into concrete action.