The bitter cold and the hot heat, in between the people of Gaza
Scott Anderson, Deputy Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), highlighted the dual challenge of fighting epidemics and delivering essential supplies in the face of rising temperatures. This statement comes amidst the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents face extreme weather conditions that exacerbate their plight.
The New York Times reported on the dire situation faced by Maryam Arafat, her husband, and their three children, who were forced to flee their home in Gaza City due to Israeli bombardment. Initially, during the cold winter months, the family struggled with the lack of heating fuel and inadequate clothing while sheltering in an old tent in Deir al-Balah. The same tent that barely protected them from the cold became stiflingly hot with the onset of summer. Maryam, aged 23, described the intense heat as unbearable, especially for the children, likening it to a "tent on fire."
The harsh living conditions in Gaza have forced nearly two million Palestinians to evacuate their homes due to ongoing conflicts. Many have endured cold winters in substandard tents, and now face the brutal summer heat, which reaches up to 39 degrees Celsius without adequate shade or cooling facilities. According to Anderson, the rising temperatures have prioritized the need to combat disease outbreaks alongside food distribution.
Recent reports have documented the catastrophic impact of the conflict in Gaza, with over 34,000 Palestinians killed and more than 77,000 injured. Additionally, nearly 8,000 people remain missing under the rubble, with rescue efforts continuing. A significant portion of the casualties, about 73 percent, are women and children.
The historical context reveals that the structure of the Israeli regime was established in 1917 through British colonial designs and the immigration of Jews from various countries. Officially declared in 1948, the state has been involved in various actions against the Palestinian people, including alleged plans for land appropriation and population displacement. The Islamic Republic of Iran remains a staunch advocate for the dissolution of what it views as the Israeli colonial regime and supports the return of Jews to their original countries.
