Al-Hayya contacts Gaza mediators as humanitarian risks grow ahead of winter

Hamas political bureau chief Khalil al-Hayya held a series of calls with Gaza ceasefire mediators over the weekend as violence continued across the enclave and concerns grew over the humanitarian situation ahead of winter, the group said.

Hamas said al-Hayya also sent messages to several Arab and other countries, warning that thousands of displaced Palestinians face unsafe shelter conditions as winter approaches.

According to the movement, al-Hayya raised the lack of heavy machinery needed to clear rubble and secure buildings at risk of collapse, as well as restrictions on the entry of mobile homes, tents and supplies needed to protect displaced families from cold weather and rain. He said the situation was leaving tens of thousands of people in unsafe shelters.

The comments followed the collapse of war-damaged residential buildings in Gaza that killed and injured Palestinians. In one incident this week, rescue teams recovered 21 bodies and rescued 45 people after a damaged building collapsed, according to Gaza Civil Defence. Reuters reported that rescue workers were operating with limited heavy equipment, while UN officials warned about the risks faced by families sheltering in structurally damaged buildings.

Al-Hayya also warned that continued Israeli attacks and what Hamas described as violations in the West Bank and at the Al-Aqsa Mosque were undermining efforts to maintain calm. His statements were part of a broader appeal to mediators to press Israel to implement the commitments of the US-backed Gaza plan, according to Hamas.

Hamas said al-Hayya specifically called for an end to attacks and targeted killings, and for the immediate entry of heavy machinery, rescue equipment, shelter materials and other supplies needed ahead of winter.

The group said the mediators had responded by affirming their continued efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza and maintain contacts with the parties involved to advance implementation of the agreement.

The reference to the US-backed plan comes as negotiations over Gaza's post-war arrangements remain focused on issues including Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament and the reconstruction of the territory. A roadmap published in July by the Board of Peace sets out arrangements for security, administration, an international stabilisation force and reconstruction.

Al-Hayya was elected Hamas' political bureau chief in July and has played a central role in the group's indirect negotiations over Gaza ceasefire arrangements. He also met US envoy Jared Kushner in Egypt in August as mediators worked to advance the Gaza plan.