Heavy rainfall in the Gaza Strip has triggered a renewed wave of displacement, impacting more than 1 million Palestinians already struggling with precarious living conditions. Severe weather has overwhelmed refugee camps and temporary shelters, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The Civil Defense in Gaza reported receiving numerous distress calls from families whose tents and makeshift homes have been flooded. A statement released by the agency detailed the extensive damage caused by the relentless downpour, leaving countless families exposed and vulnerable.
“Since this morning, we have been inundated with calls for help from displaced families in camps and shelters throughout Gaza. Their tents are submerged, leaving them with nothing,” the statement read.
The Civil Defense has urgently appealed to the international community and the signatories of the Gaza ceasefire agreement to address the critical needs of displaced families, estimated to be around half a million households. The agency emphasized the urgent need for prefabricated homes and durable tents to provide adequate shelter.
According to government sources within Gaza, approximately 1.5 million Palestinians are now displaced due to the flooding. Prior assessments indicated that a staggering 93% of the existing tents were already deemed uninhabitable, highlighting the severity of the shelter crisis.
The adverse weather has also impacted vital infrastructure. Reports indicate that a children’s ward at the Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital has been flooded, further straining the healthcare system. The Civil Defense cited a lack of resources and the ongoing blockade as significant impediments to providing adequate assistance.
“We have witnessed hundreds of tents submerged across Gaza, including all of the inhabitants’ belongings, the same belongings they salvaged from the rubble of their destroyed homes,” said Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal.
The displaced population faces a multitude of challenges, including a lack of basic necessities and limited access to essential services, compounding the already immense suffering.
