Egypt delivers winter relief to rain-damaged Gaza
CAIRO/GAZA, Dec. 11 — The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) has sent another batch of winter aid to the Gaza Strip, hit hard by heavy rainfall. The shipment comprises 14,300 blankets, 21,400 winter garments, and 15,800 tents to provide shelter for families affected by the floods, ERC announced.
This winter relief is part of a larger humanitarian convoy that carries roughly 9,800 tonnes of urgent supplies. The cargo includes about 5,500 tonnes of food baskets, over 3,600 tonnes of medical and relief items, and more than 700 tonnes of fuel and petroleum products needed inside the enclave.
Since the ERC began its pro-Gaza humanitarian initiative in late July, this marks the 92nd convoy dispatched from Egypt to Gaza. The organization notes that it has delivered more than half a million tonnes of humanitarian and relief materials to Gaza since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with the help of around 35,000 volunteers.
Ongoing heavy rains have worsened the situation in Gaza by damaging shelters and tents, exacerbating the residents’ already difficult living conditions. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, highlighted on Thursday that flooded streets and soaked tents are elevating health risks in an environment that is already cold, crowded, and unsanitary.
An eight-month-old girl, Rafah Abu Jazar, died on Thursday from the cold in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Medical Hospital.
Munir al-Bursh, Gaza’s health authorities’ director general, stated that residents are enduring severe conditions with insufficient shelter and heating due to fuel shortages.
