According to reports from Mehr News Agency, Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for Civil Defense in Gaza, identified the ongoing bombardments, civilian casualties caused by Israeli occupiers, and the obstruction of aid and shelter for refugees as the primary factors driving the crisis in the region.
In an interview with the Palestinian news agency Safa, he emphasized that since the onset of the conflict, Gaza has not only been under daily attacks but is also experiencing a full-scale catastrophe marked by occupation, destruction of homes, and a complete disruption of residents’ lives.Basal highlighted that the strategy of the occupiers regarding the entry of aid is based on a ‘trickle-down’ approach, which has worsened the humanitarian situation.
He pointed out that the suffering of Gaza’s residents extends beyond continuous bombardment and killings; it also encompasses severe environmental challenges due to a lack of shelter and infrastructure.The dire conditions under bombardment and adverse weather are exacerbated by the absence of proper shelter. He stated, ‘Children are dying, families are left homeless, and the humanitarian situation is literally sick. Anyone who thinks the war is over is delusional; perhaps its form or intensity has changed.’
The Civil Defense spokesperson stressed that relevant organizations and international bodies are aware of the ongoing crisis in Gaza, but responses have been limited due to the occupiers’ obstruction of essential supplies.Basal reiterated that the occupiers rely on a ‘trickle-down’ strategy for aid entry, currently operating at only about 40% of its nominal capacity at border crossings. The humanitarian assistance received meets only approximately 43% of actual needs.He reported ‘In Gaza there is no tent that has not been damaged by rain. Thousands of tents have been flooded leading to outbreaks of skin and infectious diseases due to living in damp and unsanitary conditions.’
This Palestinian official emphasized the urgent need for a clear international decision to end the suffering of Gaza’s residents asserting that such decisions must include the immediate entry of all essential supplies to rescue the entire service infrastructure.
