Board of Peace Blames Both Israel and Hamas for Gaza Emergency

The US-created Board of Peace expressed concern on Monday about an "immediate humanitarian emergency" in the Gaza Strip following severe seasonal flooding. Both Israel and Hamas were blamed for failing to uphold commitments as part of a stalled peace process. Tens of thousands of tents and makeshift shelters in the enclave were inundated, damaging essential belongings and leaving displaced families vulnerable to cold and unsafe conditions.

The organization stated that urgent delivery of shelter, sanitation, drainage, and other winterization supplies is crucial for protecting lives. Last year, the Board of Peace was established when Israel and Hamas, backed by Iran, signed a US-brokered truce. The ceasefire was seen as the first step in the Trump administration's plan to rebuild Gaza and achieve Israeli troop withdrawal.

Israel and the US insist Hamas must disarm first, while Hamas demands Israeli forces leave the territory before disarming. The Board urged Israel to facilitate the entry of necessary winterization and humanitarian supplies, while also calling on Hamas to comply with its obligations under Trump's peace plan, including laying down arms and relinquishing governance.

Israel's Defense Forces claimed to be advancing a Gaza winter preparedness plan in collaboration with the Board of Peace and other international entities. Over 91,000 tents and 8,200 trucks carrying supplies have entered Gaza, along with projects to enhance water and sanitation infrastructure. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Hamas' own videos showed the group dug up water pipes to use as rockets, implying responsibility for current sewage issues during the rains.