Heavy rain has inundated tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza, worsening the plight of 2.3 million residents enduring relentless Israeli airstrikes since October. Families scrambled in the middle of the night as floodwaters destroyed their meager belongings.
“We ran in the middle of the night. The rain flooded the tent, the food is gone, and the kids screamed. I fear they’ll get sick,” said Rami, a 37-year-old father displaced to a former football stadium in Gaza City.
Civil Defence Warns of Humanitarian Crisis
The Palestinian Civil Defence reported that thousands of displaced individuals were affected by the flooding. Mahmoud Basal, the Civil Defence spokesman, described the situation as dire.
“Rainfall has severely damaged tents, with water flowing inside and ruining mattresses and luggage,” Basal said on Sunday. He urged the United Nations and international donors to provide immediate support in the form of new tents and caravans to protect displaced families from winter’s harsh conditions.
“This signals a real humanitarian catastrophe if intervention doesn’t happen immediately,” he added.
War Leaves Gaza in Ruins
The ongoing Israeli assault has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians and displaced nearly the entire population. The bombardment has reduced large sections of the densely populated territory to rubble, leaving survivors in makeshift shelters without basic necessities.
Calls for Justice on the Global Stage
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its actions in the region.
Aid Urgently Needed
Palestinian authorities have made urgent appeals for international assistance to mitigate the worsening humanitarian crisis. The Civil Defence highlighted the immediate need for durable shelters to protect displaced families from flooding and harsh weather conditions.
Local and international aid organizations have called for accelerated efforts to address the catastrophic conditions in Gaza.
Survivors Endure Unimaginable Hardship
Displaced families, already grappling with the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict, now face additional challenges as rainwater destroys their temporary shelters. Many fear for their children’s health and safety.
The floods have also disrupted the limited relief efforts in Gaza, compounding the suffering of displaced civilians.
International Response
While the ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli leaders signal growing international condemnation, the humanitarian response has been slow. Gaza’s residents continue to endure the devastating effects of war and neglect.
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