Ayaz Sadiq mourns Gaza rain deaths, condemns aid restrictions

NA speaker warns weak shelters, food shortages, winter rains pushing Palestinians into deeper crisis

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and property caused by torrential rains in Gaza, saying the difficulties facing homeless Palestinians have reached alarming levels.

In a statement issued by the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat on Saturday, the speaker extended condolences to families affected by the severe weather and emphasised that Pakistan's parliament and people stand in complete solidarity with the people of Gaza.

Read: 13 Gazans dead as heavy rains batter territory

"Innocent civilians in Gaza are bearing the dual burden of severe weather conditions and a grave humanitarian crisis," Sadiq said, adding that obstructions to aid by Israeli forces are further exacerbating the crisis.

He noted that weak shelters and tents have become increasingly unsafe after heavy rains, while shortages of food, clean water and basic facilities have subjected Palestinians to severe hardship. "The entire Pakistani nation is grieved over the loss of lives in Gaza," he stated.

Calling the ongoing humanitarian tragedy "a severe test for the global conscience," Sadiq urged international organisations to immediately open humanitarian corridors for Gaza in view of the winter season. He emphasised that the blockade and violations of international laws have paralysed all basic services in the enclave.

Read More: UN agency warns displaced Gazans face floods, as emergency supplies blocked

The NA speaker strongly condemned the suspension of aid during the weather crisis, terming it an inhumane act. "Restrictions imposed by the occupying forces are continuously increasing the suffering of the people of Gaza," he said.

Sadiq appealed to the Muslim community to assist the people of Gaza and called on the international community to take practical steps for the immediate relief of oppressed and homeless families.

Torrential rains due to Storm Byron have flooded tents and temporary shelters across the Gaza since late Wednesday, compounding the suffering of the territory's residents, nearly all of whom were displaced during more than two years of war.

On Friday, Gaza's Civil Defence Agency said that at least 13 people had died over the last 24 hours, including three children who died from exposure to the cold.