Heavy Rains Flood Gaza Tents as Winter Approaches, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday triggered severe flooding across the Gaza Strip, swamping the fragile tents of thousands of displaced Palestinians who now face the onset of winter with minimal protection.
More than 2 million Palestinians have been uprooted during Israel’s two-year ground and air military campaign, leaving the majority dependent on makeshift shelters in overcrowded camps. Despite a ceasefire that has broadly held since mid-October, vast sections of Gaza remain destroyed, including crucial infrastructure needed to sustain basic living conditions.
Tents Washed Away as Floodwaters Rise
Residents reported that rainwater rose 40 to 50 centimeters in some areas, washing away tents and overwhelming temporary shelters. According to the Palestinian Civil Defence Service, thousands of tents were either flooded or torn apart by torrential storms over the past week.
A field hospital was forced to suspend operations due to flooding, further straining an already fragile healthcare system.
“We haven’t received new tents or tarps. Our tarp is two years old and our tent is two years old — they’re completely worn out,” said Um Ahmed Aowdah, standing outside her flooded shelter. “This suffering, this rain — and the winter weather hasn’t even started yet.”
Aid Shortfalls and Growing Shelter Needs
Humanitarian organizations warn that Gaza urgently requires at least 300,000 new tents to provide shelter for some 1.5 million people still displaced from their homes, according to Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGOs Network.
The United Nations said it is working to deliver winter supplies, but the number of aid trucks entering the enclave remains restricted due to Israeli limits on humanitarian access. Aid groups argue that vital materials, including tents and tarps, are being blocked.
Gaza authorities accuse Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, saying insufficient aid is being allowed in. Israel, however, insists it is fully complying with the truce terms and that aid agencies are responsible for distribution delays.
Winter Threatens Worsening Humanitarian Emergency
As colder weather approaches, humanitarian organizations fear conditions will deteriorate rapidly. With thousands of families already exposed to rain, freezing temperatures in the coming weeks could create life-threatening conditions.
The flooding underscores the dire humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza, where residents face a winter without adequate shelter, clean water, or consistent medical care.
Source: Reuters
