Shelter and aid urgently needed in Gaza as winter intensifies crisis, says British Red Cross

A sustained and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid is needed to meet the immense food, water, healthcare and shelter needs of people across Gaza. Aid alone will not solve this crisis, but it will save lives and allow people to live in dignity. Restrictions and border crossings need to be lifted to get the aid and shelter kits needed into Gaza. 

Winter brings even more hardship to people who’ve endured two years of relentless and unimaginable suffering. It is essential people have access to shelter and humanitarian aid. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is on the ground and ready to bring aid into Gaza and distribute it to those in need. 

Since 6 November, Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) has been handling on average 400 trucks of aid a day destined for Gaza. This is despite the fact ERCS has the logistical capacity to handle up to 800 trucks daily if conditions permit. Both ERCS and the Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JNRCS) have fully stocked and operational warehouses which are ready to increase aid deliveries into Gaza.  

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been operating in Gaza since the beginning of the crisis and continues to deliver life-saving humanitarian support, including food, shelter and medical assistance. The continued shortage of supplies and damage to facilities including hospitals makes PRCS’ response to this crisis even more challenging.  

Jennifer Higgins, British Red Cross Country Manager for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said:  

“Winter has only just begun and it's already intensified the crisis in Gaza. Diseases are more likely to spread amid flooding and cold weather. For many, the little shelter they already had has been washed out.  

“Though we still hope the ceasefire agreement can lead to stability, a sustained flow of aid should not be dependent on this. We stand ready to scale up our life-saving aid, but restrictions must be lifted. The clock is ticking and families in Gaza cannot wait.” 

Saleem, Palestine Red Crescent Relief Coordinator for Disaster Management, said: 

“The immediate needs that must be allowed into Gaza are mobile homes, because most people live in tents, and these tents are worn out and we are approaching winter. These tents do not protect them from the cold or the rain.” 

He added: “There are many needs we cannot meet because of restrictions at the crossings and closures, which causes deep sadness. This always makes us think about how we can secure these things for people, but of course, this is not in our hands.”

About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk