Gaza:The Palestinian group Hamas has accused the Board of Peace of presenting a distorted account of the flood crisis in Gaza and neglecting Israel's role in obstructing the US-backed peace plan. Hamas's response came after the board issued a statement regarding the floods, which Hamas claims misplaces blame for delays in implementing the roadmap, despite the acceptance of the plan by Hamas and other Palestinian factions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Board of Peace earlier criticized Israel for delaying the admission of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. It also called on Hamas to meet its commitments, such as laying down arms and transferring governing authority. While Hamas acknowledged the board's criticism of Israel, it argued that the account failed to address Israel's broader responsibility for blocking the implementation of President Donald Trump's peace plan.
Hamas cited an August 3 statement by mediators Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, which warned that Israeli violations were undermining the second phase of the plan. The group condemned the use of lifesaving aid as political leverage, pointing out that shelter supplies were stalled outside Gaza as displaced families faced flooding and cold. It stressed that children caught in the floods should not be used as bargaining chips in political negotiations.
Hamas urged the board to address its own shortcomings in dealing with the disaster and ensuring Israel's compliance with its initial commitments. The group demanded that crossings be opened for relief, shelter, and recovery supplies without political or security conditions. It also called for a timeline and mechanism to verify the implementation of the roadmap, including Israeli withdrawal and arrangements for the Palestinian committee to begin its work in Gaza.
The organization requested that the board publish a report detailing fulfilled and overdue commitments, as well as those responsible for any delays. Hamas reaffirmed its readiness to implement the agreed terms but rejected any new conditions that might alter the sequence of obligations, delay Israeli withdrawal, or extend the suffering of civilians.
The storm that hit Gaza on Friday evening resulted in the flooding of over 70,000 tents and the collapse of numerous war-damaged walls. Gaza's Civil Defense reported that two women and three children were killed on Sunday night when a sand embankment collapsed onto tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah.