Peace Council Criticizes Israel Over Gaza Flooding Response

The Peace Council has criticized Israel for delaying the entry of winter equipment into Gaza, calling the situation an "urgent humanitarian emergency" amid recent heavy rains and flooding. The organization stated that the severe seasonal floods in Gaza over the past two days damaged essential property and displaced families already living in fragile conditions, exposing them to cold and unsafe environments. The Council emphasized the critical need for the swift import and distribution of supplies for shelter, sanitation, water drainage, and additional winter necessities to protect civilian lives.

While acknowledging significant humanitarian progress in Gaza over the past year, including improved food accessibility and nutritional conditions, the Peace Council asserted that these achievements are insufficient and must be protected and accelerated, not undermined by preventable humanitarian crises. The Council urged the Israeli government to approve the entry of essential materials for temporary shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, waste management, rainwater drainage, and sewage disposal, stating that Israel has not yet fulfilled its obligations.

"The response remains insufficient," the Peace Council declared, calling on the Israeli government to immediately approve and facilitate the entry of all necessary winter equipment and humanitarian aid. The organization also reiterated its repeated calls for Hamas to disarm, relinquish governance, and fulfill its obligations under a plan, stating that "the time for empty promises is over" and urging all parties to demonstrate the urgency and seriousness required by the moment.