The International Commission (ICSPR) Issues an Urgent Appeal to the International Community Regarding the Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions of Displaced Persons Amidst Winter

Date: November 27, 2024

Press Release

The International Commission (ICSPR) Issues an Urgent Appeal to the International Community Regarding the Catastrophic Humanitarian Conditions of Displaced Persons Amidst Winter

The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) has issued an urgent appeal to the international community and human rights organizations regarding the catastrophic humanitarian conditions faced by displaced persons in the Gaza Strip, particularly with the onset of winter and severe weather conditions.

The Commission stated that the Israeli occupation continues its campaign of genocide against the Palestinian people for over a year, with more than 44,235 martyrs, 70% of whom are children and women. Additionally, over 15,000 people remain missing and 104,638 injured. Israeli attacks have destroyed 85% of homes and infrastructure, turning Gaza into a disaster-stricken area.

ICSPR highlighted harrowing details of the suffering endured by over two million displaced persons who have been forced from their homes due to ongoing attacks. Many are now living in temporary shelters and inadequately prepared tents, facing acute shortages of basic necessities. The organization emphasized that 81% of the tents have become unusable due to damage caused by weather conditions. Furthermore, the majority of displaced persons lack heating resources or sufficient winter clothing, leaving them vulnerable to severe illnesses.

ICSPR noted that consecutive storms have worsened the plight of displaced persons. Heavy rains have flooded numerous shelters, causing extensive damage to what remains of the infrastructure. Reports indicate that over 40% of children suffer from respiratory illnesses due to the cold and lack of medical care, while pregnant women face critical health conditions in the absence of adequate healthcare.

ICSPR warned that the ongoing closure of border crossings and restrictions on humanitarian aid are exacerbating the situation, posing an imminent humanitarian catastrophe. The organization called for the urgent delivery of equipment to repair damaged water and sewage systems, which have caused widespread contamination and increased rates of waterborne diseases.

ICSPR stressed that the Gaza Strip has been enduring a suffocating siege for years, resulting in the total collapse of its healthcare and economic systems. It underscored the urgent need for immediate intervention to save the lives of millions of civilians, especially women and children, who are the most affected.

In its appeal to the international community, the ICSPR called for:

• An immediate cessation of Israeli aggression and genocide against the Palestinian people.
• The opening of safe humanitarian corridors to facilitate the delivery of urgent aid, including food, medicine, tents, and heating supplies.
• The provision of international protection for displaced persons, ensuring their access to adequate shelter and dignified living conditions.
• The deployment of international medical teams to provide urgent care and establish field hospitals in affected areas.
• The prosecution of Israeli occupation leaders for war crimes and genocide before international courts.

ICSPR concluded its statement by urging the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities, act to end the Israeli occupation, and enable the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights, including self-determination and the return of refugees. The Commission affirmed that continued international silence regarding these crimes constitutes implicit complicity in the suffering of Palestinians, calling for decisive action to end the bloodshed and save lives.