Khan Younis officials warn of humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

The Winter Emergency Committee of the Khan Younis governorate has warned of worsening humanitarian and environmental risks due to the arrival of winter and low-pressure systems. Officials state that the destruction caused by the ongoing conflict, combined with the collapse of municipal services and a severe shortage of fuel and equipment, has created a direct threat to hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

Mayor Alaa al-Batta reported that more than 85% of the governorate has been destroyed. Many citizens are living in tents and provisional shelters that cannot withstand wind and rain. The situation is exacerbated by damage to road networks, sewage systems, and storm drainage, which limits the ability of aid organizations and municipalities to respond to weather-related emergencies. The continuous closure of border crossings has further prevented the entry of essential machinery, spare parts, and fuel needed to maintain basic services.