Gaza Strip Faces Humanitarian Crisis: Mayor of Deir Al Balah Raises Alarm

The situation in the Gaza Strip has reached alarming levels, particularly in the central region where the Mayor of Deir Al Balah, Diab Al Jarou, has raised serious concerns about the living conditions of nearly one million people. These individuals, including both residents and displaced persons, are currently housed in 205 shelters, facing catastrophic circumstances that are putting immense pressure on local services.

According to Mayor Al Jarou, the ongoing Israeli aggression has forced many people to flee from the northern Gaza Strip, leading to a significant increase in the population of Deir Al Balah. This sudden influx has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, which has already suffered extensive damage due to the conflict. The Mayor highlighted that the destruction of vital facilities has made it increasingly difficult for the municipality to provide essential services to its residents.

As winter approaches, the Mayor has expressed grave concerns about the worsening situation. He pointed out that the coastal municipalities, including Deir Al Balah, are particularly vulnerable. The area is traversed by Wadi Al Salqa, and every winter, the occupation forces have been known to open water dams located east of the valley. This action often results in flooding, posing a significant risk to residents on both sides of the valley and increasing the likelihood of drowning in rainwater.

Mayor Al Jarou described winter as a time of terror for the municipalities, as flooding can devastate Palestinian lands and homes. He emphasized the urgent need for assistance, stating that the municipality requires machinery and equipment to replace those destroyed by the occupation forces. Additionally, he called for the provision of 30,000 liters of diesel per month to keep the remaining machinery operational.

The displacement crisis has forced approximately 250,000 people into the areas surrounding the valley, further endangering their lives amid the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip. The destruction of sewage lines and rainwater drainage systems has compounded the difficulties faced by the municipality, making it imperative for international relief agencies to step in.

Mayor Al Jarou has urged these agencies to provide more than 20,000 tents to evacuate those living in dangerous areas to safer locations. The municipality is grappling with the immense challenges posed by the damage to its infrastructure and the loss of essential equipment needed to mitigate the dangers of winter.

The plight of the people in Deir Al Balah serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. As winter approaches, the need for immediate international support becomes increasingly critical. The situation calls for urgent action to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected, highlighting the importance of global solidarity in times of crisis.