UNICEF’s Fricker Calls for Faster Gaza Winter Aid and Sanitation Repairs

UNICEF spokesperson Toby Fricker called on November 13 for faster deliveries of winter supplies to Gaza and equipment to repair water and sanitation systems. Speaking from Gaza City, he said some supplies were entering but the volume remained insufficient for people living in makeshift shelters and damaged buildings after the preceding weekend’s rain. Fricker said at least 1.7 million people were living in those conditions. He said UNICEF was using tarpaulins, winter clothing kits intended for 170,000 children and other supplies. Calling for tents and other supplies, he said: “And we need to move them at scale and as quickly as possible.” He also sought pumps and pipes to address a basin containing rainwater mixed with sewage that he said risked overflowing. The IDF said on November 13 that more than 93,000 tents and over 8,600 trucks carrying winter supplies had entered Gaza since winter preparations began. It also reported the entry of 16 sewage vacuum trucks and work on sewage, drainage and water systems. The IDF accused Hamas of exploiting aid and humanitarian infrastructure and described the terrorist organization as the main obstacle to rehabilitation.