Egypt sends more winter relief supplies to rain-hit Gaza

CAIRO, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) on Tuesday sent a new shipment of winter relief supplies to Gaza, including about 9,000 blankets, 53,200 items of winter clothing, 3,400 mattresses, and 11,000 tents, the organization said.

The ERC said the aid was dispatched "amid worsening weather conditions" and is part of Egypt's ongoing effort to assist Palestinians in the enclave. The shipment is included in a larger humanitarian convoy carrying more than 8,000 tonnes of urgent supplies, including 3,900 tonnes of food baskets and flour, 2,900 tonnes of medical and relief items, and 1,200 tonnes of petroleum products.

It is the 95th convoy since the ERC launched its pro-Gaza aid initiative in late July. The organization said it has delivered more than 500,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies since the start of the crisis over two years ago, supported by some 35,000 volunteers.

Gaza's health authorities said Tuesday that Israel's military campaign since Oct. 7, 2023, has killed more than 70,600 Palestinians and injured over 171,100. Despite a ceasefire, 393 people have died, and more than 1,000 have been wounded since Oct. 11, authorities added. A two-week-old baby also died in Gaza due to the cold weather.

On Monday, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said residents in Gaza are "freezing to death" amid heavy rain. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on X that waterlogged ruins are collapsing, leaving people exposed to the cold and creating challenges for aid workers trying to deliver tents and other shelter materials. ■