The Board of Peace (BoP) on Monday, November 9, issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance to Gaza, citing widespread flooding that has submerged tens of thousands of displacement tents as winter grips the region. The international body, established under United States President Donald Trump, described the situation as an 'immediate humanitarian emergency' following a severe storm.
More than 70,000 tents, housing displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, were inundated within the first 12 hours of the storm's arrival. This marks the fourth consecutive winter for many without adequate shelter. Gaza's Government Media Office reported on Saturday, November 7, that preliminary damage estimates stand at USD 3 million. The BoP emphasised that swift entry and distribution of essential shelter, sanitation, drainage, and other winterisation supplies are 'critical to protecting civilian lives.'
Formed a year ago to broker a 'ceasefire' and advance a comprehensive peace plan, the BoP comprises 28 member states, including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and several European and Asian nations. Despite its efforts, the board noted a lack of significant humanitarian progress, with Palestinians remaining vulnerable to attacks from Israeli forces who have expanded control.
The BoP 'specifically urged' the Israeli government to authorise the immediate entry of necessary materials for temporary shelter, water, sanitation infrastructure, and waste management. It also called on Israel to adhere to the Sharm El-Sheikh Humanitarian Protocol, criticising what it termed an 'insufficient' response to the escalating winter crisis.
Simultaneously, the board reiterated its long-standing demands for Hamas to lay down its arms, relinquish governing authority, and fulfil its commitments under the peace plan. The BoP stated that Hamas's 'failures to act have hindered progress' and worsened challenges. It also condemned recent military activity by Hamas in civilian areas, asserting that 'nothing' absolves the group from its responsibility for the October 7 attacks. The Board concluded that 'the time for assurances without implementation has passed,' stressing that Gaza's people cannot afford continued inaction.
Image: siasat.com
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf