UN says Israeli policies worsened deadly impact of Gaza winter storm
The United Nations has warned that Israeli policies and restrictions on aid significantly worsened the death and destruction caused by a violent winter storm in the Gaza Strip. According to the UN, much of the devastation and loss of life could have been prevented if adequate humanitarian supplies had been allowed into the territory to prepare for and counter the extreme seasonal conditions.
The storm swept through areas where thousands of displaced Palestinians were already living in precarious circumstances, stripping them of their existing shelter and leaving them entirely homeless. Because sufficient relief and shelter supplies were prevented from entering the enclave, already vulnerable families had virtually no protection against the violent weather.
The UN emphasized that the resulting tragedy was compounded by these systemic limitations on aid. By preventing the entry of necessary materials and support, Israeli policies directly exacerbated the storm's fatal consequences, transforming harsh weather into an acute humanitarian emergency for thousands of people who now find themselves without homes or essential aid.
Continue in the app — vote & join in ➔