Heavy rains exacerbate Gaza tent flooding amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Gaza, Amid Ongoing Conflict

A winter storm hit the Gaza Strip on Monday and Tuesday, causing widespread flooding in several areas. The enclave’s civil defense units reported multiple distress calls overnight, with rescue teams providing emergency assistance to families whose tents were flooded in the al-Mawasi camp.

Videos circulating on social media showed flooded tents in the Remal neighborhood and port area of Gaza City, where residents struggled to find solutions to prevent further damage. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued to carry out operations in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least two people, including a boy, in the Beit Lahiya area.

According to reports, more than 600 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the United States-brokered ceasefire came into effect in October. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that Israel launched its military operation in Gaza in October 2023, resulting in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and 171,000 injuries.

The United Nations rights chief, Volker Turk, described the situation as “catastrophic.” Since December, a series of winter storms have caused flooding or damage to tens of thousands of tents, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinians. The Israeli military has continued to restrict the entry of aid shipments, including shelter materials such as tents and mobile homes.

Thousands of Palestinians are living in makeshift tents, exposed to waterborne illnesses and the risk of hypothermia. Many have been denied permission to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment due to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid.

Source: Al Jazeera