Palestinian church committee calls for aid to flood-hit Gaza

On Saturday, a Palestinian presidential committee appealed for international aid to help families displaced by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, where heavy rain has caused widespread flooding and damage to homes and infrastructure, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu Agency reported.

The committee, which oversees church affairs, called on churches globally to provide emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine, and shelter, to the most vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and the sick.

Around 950,000 displaced people are living in flood-prone areas, with over 400,000 at high risk, the committee said.

The situation is particularly dire in Gaza City, where historic sites, including the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, have been damaged by rainwater.

The committee emphasized that the destruction of Gaza's churches and historic sites is part of the broader devastation inflicted on Palestinian lives, homes, and heritage.

They stressed that Christian communities share the suffering of the wider Palestinian population and that protecting the Christian presence in the Holy Land is crucial to defending Palestinians' rights.

The committee urged churches to use their influence to press governments and international institutions to secure unhindered access for humanitarian aid, medical supplies, and fuel.

They also called for closer coordination with church and relief organizations in Palestine to reach the hardest-hit families.

The Palestinian presidency has also called for immediate UN Security Council intervention to secure unrestricted aid access and international protection for Palestinians.

They blamed Israel's attacks, blockade, and obstruction of aid for deepening the crisis.

Heavy rain and strong winds have been battering Gaza since Friday evening, flooding 70,000 tents and bringing down dozens of walls.

The crisis in Gaza has been ongoing since Israel's military campaign began in October 2023, resulting in over 74,000 Palestinian deaths.

Background

The Gaza Strip has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a prolonged blockade and repeated military conflicts.

The region's infrastructure and economy have been severely impacted, leaving many residents without access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.

Humanitarian Crisis

The situation in Gaza is considered one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world.

The ongoing conflict and blockade have resulted in widespread poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, affecting millions of Palestinians.