Gaza: Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s Political Bureau, has appealed to Arab and Islamic countries to take immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as winter approaches. In messages sent to Arab and Muslim nations on November 14, Al-Hayya highlighted the growing suffering of displaced Palestinian families amid shortages of shelter, heating supplies, fuel and other essential necessities.
Al-Hayya said Gaza’s humanitarian situation had gone beyond an ordinary emergency relief crisis. He accused Israel of pursuing policies of starvation, destroying essential infrastructure and restricting the entry of humanitarian assistance and materials required for recovery. These allegations were presented in messages issued by Hamas and reported by several regional media outlets.
The Hamas leader called on Arab and Islamic governments to exert international pressure on Israel to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement. His demands include the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, immediate implementation of the humanitarian protocol signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, and allowing the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to enter the territory and begin its responsibilities. He also called for unrestricted access for United Nations agencies and humanitarian organisations.
Al-Hayya urged the international community to launch an emergency winter relief campaign for displaced Palestinians. He called for the provision of tents, shelter materials, heating equipment and fuel, along with urgent repairs to damaged sewage systems and rainwater drainage networks. He also stressed the need to establish safe and dignified shelters for families who have lost their homes.
His appeal comes amid growing concerns over the impact of winter rainfall on Gaza’s displaced population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 950,000 displaced Palestinians are living in flood-prone areas, including around 400,000 in locations considered particularly high-risk. Heavy rainfall has already flooded temporary shelters and increased concerns about water contamination and disease outbreaks.
Al-Hayya also called on Arab and Islamic countries to mobilise international funding for emergency humanitarian assistance, early recovery and reconstruction. He urged governments to support a draft resolution requiring Israel to fulfil its humanitarian obligations and called for an emergency, open session of the United Nations Security Council to discuss Gaza’s humanitarian situation. According to reports, he has also held discussions with officials from countries mediating the ceasefire to seek urgent relief and implementation of the signed agreements.