Heavy rains leave tens of thousands without shelter in Gaza

Heavy rains in Gaza have left tens of thousands of displaced people without shelter, according to Palestinian authorities. On Saturday, November 7, heavy rain flooded hundreds of thousands of tents in Gaza City and other areas of the Strip, causing damage to walls, roofs, and injuries. Over 1,500 calls were made to the civil defense agency as residents sought urgent assistance for their flooded tents.

The Hamas-run government media office reported that about 70,000 tents were affected on the first day of the rains. Civil defense spokesman Mahmoud Bassal stated that the agency is operating without equipment or capabilities. Gaza residents shared their struggles, with some unable to save their mattresses and clothes, while others expressed fear for their children's safety due to cold and disease.

A coalition of Palestinian civil society organizations warned of a looming catastrophe, urging international intervention to save the displaced. Despite a fragile ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes and ground operations, preventing the entry of prefabricated homes and heavy machinery to help Gaza. Gaza city council member Mustafa Qazzaat emphasized the urgent need for 200,000 prefabricated homes, along with the delivery of machinery to clear rubble, open roads, and provide electricity and heating.