The Peace Committee blames both Israel and Hamas for the state of emergency in Gaza Today’s news

The US-created Board of Peace warned on Monday of an “immediate humanitarian emergency” in the Gaza Strip after severe seasonal flooding, accusing both Israel and Hamas of failing to honor commitments in the stalled peace process.

Tens of thousands of tents and makeshift shelters in the enclave were flooded after heavy rains, damaging essentials and leaving displaced families exposed to cold and dangerous conditions, the organization said in a statement published on X.

“Expedited entry and distribution of essential shelter, sanitation, drainage and other winter supplies is essential to protect lives,” the council said.

The peace committee, set up by US President Donald Trump, was established last year when Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hamas agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire.

The ceasefire was seen as the first phase of the Trump administration’s plan to rebuild the Gaza Strip and force Israeli forces, who control about 65% of the territory, to withdraw.

Israel and the US say that Hamas must disarm as a first step. Hamas, backed by Iran and designated a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union, wants Israeli troops to leave before it disarms.

The council said that while it has urged Israel to allow supplies such as temporary shelters, water and sanitation infrastructure to enter Gaza, Israel’s response remains “inadequate”.

“We call on the leadership of the current Israeli government to act immediately and allow and facilitate the entry of all necessary winter and humanitarian supplies,” the office said.

At the same time, the council said it had repeatedly pressured Hamas to meet its commitments under Trump’s peace plan, including agreeing to lay down arms and relinquish governing authority. She called on the leadership of Hamas to “immediately” live up to its obligations.

“To be clear, nothing relieves Hamas of its responsibility for launching the October 7, 2023 attacks, regardless of the consequences for the population,” the committee said.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces said it was pursuing a winter preparedness plan for Gaza with the Peace Council and in cooperation with the United Nations, international organizations and donor countries.

More than 91,000 tents and 8,200 trucks carrying tarps, blankets, winter clothing and other supplies entered Gaza, the IDF said. Projects to improve water and sanitation infrastructure are underway, he added.

In a separate post, Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Hamas’ own videos showed it had dug water pipes in Gaza that were used as rockets.

“When the rains come and sewage floods the streets of Gaza, Hamas should be outraged,” the ministry said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency source without text modification.