Heavy rains leave tens of thousands without shelter in Gaza

GAZA CITY: Heavy rains over the weekend submerged thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians in the war-torn territory, according to Palestinian officials. Hamas-run government media claimed that approximately 70,000 tents were flooded on the first day of the rain, displacing tens of thousands of people. The collapse of damaged walls and roofs resulted in injuries, some critical, across various regions of Gaza.

Hundreds of families fled inundated camps in Gaza City and other areas of the territory, with civil defense officials receiving over 1,500 urgent requests for assistance. Palestinian officials have appealed to the international community and humanitarian organizations to intervene and provide aid to the affected population, emphasizing the lack of equipment and capabilities to handle the crisis.

Residents expressed their growing concerns, with some families unable to salvage their belongings and others fearing for their children's well-being due to the cold and potential disease outbreak. The Palestinian Authority and local civil society groups have called for immediate international action, accusing Israel of obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid and restricting the distribution of prefabricated homes, heavy machinery, and essential services such as electricity and heating.

Despite a fragile ceasefire established in October 2025, Israel's ongoing airstrikes and ground operations have continued, leaving Gaza in dire need of critical resources to address the flooding and its aftermath.