Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya has issued an urgent appeal to Arab and Muslim governments to launch an immediate international relief campaign for the Gaza Strip.
In formal letters sent on Tuesday, al-Hayya asked regional leaders to secure the rapid entry of essential supplies, including tents, heating equipment, fuel, and heavy machinery needed to fix damaged drainage networks.
The resistance group stated that heavy downpours had flooded temporary shelters and tents throughout the territory. Displaced families are now facing severe cold weather without adequate protective gear.
Figures released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs show recent flooding has impacted more than 200,000 Palestinians. The adverse weather has also damaged shelters housing over 40,000 families.
The World Health Organization warned that 950,000 displaced individuals are currently residing in flood-prone zones across the territory. This total includes more than 400,000 people living in locations facing extremely high risks.
Al-Hayya blamed Israeli restrictions blocking aid and reconstruction materials for the escalating humanitarian disaster. He added that the suffering has been multiplied by the widespread destruction of residential homes and public infrastructure.
The Hamas leader stated that the situation in Gaza could no longer be treated as a temporary relief issue or a normal byproduct of war. He urged the United Nations Security Council to hold an emergency public meeting to confront the unfolding crisis.
Alongside the immediate demand for flood relief, al-Hayya called for international pressure on Israel to fully execute the existing ceasefire agreement. This implementation must include a total withdrawal of forces from Gaza and strict compliance with the humanitarian protocol signed in Sharm el-Sheikh.
He also pressed for the unconditional entry of United Nations agencies, humanitarian groups, and the Palestinian national committee appointed to administer the enclave. He sought dedicated funding for safe shelters and long-term reconstruction.
Hamas confirmed that al-Hayya spoke with officials from the nations mediating the ceasefire over the previous two days to push for immediate humanitarian assistance and adherence to the pact.
