Trump's Peace Council Warns of Gaza Humanitarian Crisis, Urges Israeli Action

The "Peace Council," an entity associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, issued a stark warning on Monday regarding the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. Following severe floods that inundated thousands of tents and shelters over the preceding two days, the council deemed Israel's response to humanitarian needs insufficient. It called on the Israeli government to immediately permit the entry of winter supplies and relief materials. Concurrently, the council urged Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza.

The council expressed deep concern over the intense seasonal floods that submerged tens of thousands of temporary shelters, damaging essential property and leaving displaced families in precarious conditions exposed to cold and insecurity. It characterized the situation not merely as a threat from the approaching winter but as an immediate humanitarian emergency, emphasizing the critical need for urgent distribution of shelter, sanitation, and water management supplies to protect civilian lives.

While acknowledging significant humanitarian progress in Gaza over the past year, attributed to direct facilitation by the Peace Council, including improved food accessibility, the council stressed that these gains are insufficient and must be protected. It reiterated prior warnings about the current conditions and urged all parties to fulfill their commitments under Trump's comprehensive peace plan. Specifically, the council called on the Israeli government to allow essential materials for temporary shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, waste management, and water drainage, adhering to its commitments under the Sharm El Sheikh humanitarian protocol.

Conversely, the council reiterated its pressure on Hamas to disarm, abandon governance, and meet its obligations under the plan, stating that failure to do so has hindered progress and exacerbated challenges for Gaza's civilian population. The council criticized Israeli measures for aid entry, noting that despite acknowledging steps being considered by the Israeli government, the response remains inadequate. It urged the current Israeli leadership to act swiftly to permit all necessary winter and humanitarian supplies and fully implement its commitments under the President's peace plan.

The council also called on Hamas leadership to fulfill its obligations without delay, citing recent military activity in civilian areas and near Israeli sites as endangering civilians and undermining humanitarian progress. It demanded Hamas cease these activities, lay down its arms, and facilitate the transfer of governance to the National Committee for Gaza's Administration. The statement clarified that Hamas bears responsibility for the October 7th attacks without regard for the consequences.

The council urged the United Nations, its agencies, and international donors to coordinate efforts to mobilize resources and support for immediate winter needs, preserve humanitarian gains, and accelerate Gaza's recovery and the establishment of effective civilian institutions under the National Committee's administration. The statement concluded by asserting that the era of unfulfilled pledges is over, demanding immediate, measurable actions and warning that Gaza's residents and the prospects for lasting peace cannot endure continued inaction.