By The Palestinian Information Center
Hamas has accused Israel of attempting to evade responsibility for Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis by claiming to coordinate with international organizations to address winter needs, while continuing to restrict the entry of essential shelter and reconstruction supplies.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Movement said Israel’s claims of responding to Gaza’s humanitarian needs were contradicted by the widespread flooding of displacement camps, where tens of thousands of tents have been submerged and hundreds of thousands of Palestinians face increasingly dangerous living conditions.
Hamas described the Israeli military’s contacts with international organizations as an attempt to deflect responsibility for a crisis it attributed to the ongoing blockade, restrictions on humanitarian supplies, and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Flooded tents expose the reality of Israel’s claims
The Movement said images of flooded displacement camps following the first major winter storm demonstrated the severity of Gaza’s shelter emergency.
It argued that the flooding exposed the gap between Israel’s statements about humanitarian coordination and the conditions facing displaced Palestinian families.
According to Hamas, Israeli restrictions continue to obstruct the entry of tents, prefabricated housing units, repair materials, and equipment needed to address the extensive destruction caused by the war.
The Movement said Israel’s attempts to portray itself as responsive to humanitarian needs could not obscure its responsibility for the crisis.
It pointed to the destruction of residential buildings and essential infrastructure, the continuing blockade, and deliberate delays in implementing the humanitarian provisions of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas rejects political conditions on humanitarian aid and reconstruction
Hamas rejected any attempt to link Gaza’s reconstruction or the entry of essential humanitarian supplies to political or security conditions.
The Movement stressed that access to shelter, food, medicine, and dignified living conditions is a fundamental humanitarian right that must not be used as a means of political pressure.
It argued that humanitarian assistance should not be turned into a bargaining tool or used to avoid legal and humanitarian obligations.
Hamas called on mediators, guarantor countries, and the Board of Peace to take responsibility for ensuring implementation of the agreements reached.
It urged them to exert effective pressure on Israel to fulfill its commitments, particularly those outlined in the ceasefire’s humanitarian protocol.
Hamas also demanded that the Palestinian national committee be allowed to enter Gaza and begin carrying out its responsibilities.
It called for the removal of restrictions on the entry of shelter supplies, humanitarian assistance, and materials needed to repair damaged homes and infrastructure.
Calls to end the blockade and collective punishment
Hamas urged immediate international action to end Israel’s policy of blockade and collective punishment against Gaza’s population.
The Movement called for urgent measures to provide essential humanitarian supplies to hundreds of thousands of families facing cold weather, heavy rainfall, and continued displacement.
It warned that the approaching winter could deepen the suffering of displaced Palestinians unless restrictions on shelter and relief supplies are lifted.
The statement came as severe weather exposed the vulnerability of families living in deteriorating tents and overcrowded displacement centers.
Storm floods approximately 70,000 tents across Gaza
Over the past two days, a powerful weather system has brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the Gaza Strip, flooding displacement camps and temporary shelters across several areas, particularly low-lying and coastal locations.
Gaza’s Civil Defense reported that approximately 70,000 tents were flooded during the storm.
Hundreds of families were left struggling to find shelter after floodwaters swept through their tents, soaking mattresses, blankets, clothing, and other essential belongings.
The storm has compounded an already severe housing emergency caused by widespread destruction and repeated displacement during Israel’s military offensive.
Emergency response efforts have also been hampered by damaged infrastructure and shortages of equipment and shelter materials.
Many displaced Palestinians remain in worn-out tents or overcrowded shelters that offer little protection against rain, strong winds, and falling temperatures.
With winter approaching, humanitarian concerns are growing over the possibility of further flooding and displacement during subsequent storms.
“Reprinted from…”Hamas accuses Israel of evading responsibility for Gaza’s winter shelter crisis