Nearly 44,000 people died in Gaza in Israeli bombings. The population is preparing to spend a second winter in tents, at the mercy of the elements and the weather. In Mawassi-Khan Younès, a camp for displaced people was devastated by the first rains which fell on the region. One more tragedy for Gazans who have already lost everything. What little humanitarian aid Israel authorizes is often diverted by looters.
2 mins
With our correspondent in the Gaza Strip, Rami Al Meghari and our correspondent in Jerusalem, Sami Boukhelifa
On January 1, 2024, Ali and his family pitched their tent here, in Mawassi-Khan Younès, on the Gaza coast. The area is considered humanitarian by Israeltherefore relatively untouched by strikes. But the seaside is very exposed to wind and heavy rain.
“ We live here with my wife, our daughter, her husband and their children. Last night we were overwhelmed. Our tent is made from scraps of fabric. It is not waterproof », confides Ali.
A night of ordeal. With drawn faces, Layla, Ali’s wife, is shot dead. “ This is the second time this has happened to us this season. Not to mention last winter. Each time, we have to spread out all our belongings and wait at least 48 hours for our mattresses to dry. When it rains, it’s double punishment: humiliation and suffering », she laments.
“ The looters help themselves and take your due »
Before the war, the couple lived decently. Now, to support his family, Ali, a Palestinian Authority official, relies on a hypothetical humanitarian aid.
“ The siege imposed by Israel is hampering the entry of aid into Gaza. Then it is the looters who use, and take from you, your due, international aid intended for you free of charge. And they sell it to you at a high price. Looks like the Israeli looters and occupying forces are ganging up on us “, this father is indignant.
This week, Hamas, to reaffirm its authority in Gaza, announced that it had killed 20 Palestinians accused of having participated in looting of humanitarian aid.
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