Gaza: The suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is worsening as a weather depression accompanied by rain and a cold air mass reached the enclave area at dawn on Friday, amid warnings of the risk of flooding and the collapse of worn-out tents and shelter centers.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian Meteorological Department reported that the region is currently experiencing a low-pressure system with relatively cold air and heavy rainfall, occasionally accompanied by thunderstorms.
The Gaza Civil Defense has issued urgent guidelines and warnings to residents, especially those displaced in tents, urging them to take necessary precautions to avoid dangers associated with flooding and structural collapses. Residents have been advised to secure tents, particularly those near the coast, and to build sand barriers to prevent seawater intrusion. The Civil Defense emphasized the importance of avoiding heavily bombed buildings that pose a collapse risk due to rainwater.
Additionally, the Civil Defense cautioned against lighting fires inside or near tents to prevent fire hazards. It recommended creating earthen channels and drains between tents to mitigate flooding risks. Mahmod Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, described the situation as 'catastrophic,' noting that hundreds of tents were flooded with the first rainfall in Gaza City.
Amid this tragic reality, Basal highlighted the lack of shelter options for displaced families, compounded by the extensive destruction caused by Israeli actions over the past two years. The Gaza Media Office data reveals that 90% of the enclave's civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, with losses estimated at $70 billion. The destruction includes 268,000 completely destroyed housing units and 148,000 severely damaged ones.
Basal also reported that shelter centers were flooded, with water levels rising significantly, soaking essential items like blankets and clothing. He emphasized the internal displacement crisis as Palestinians search for safe refuge amidst the storm. Basal called on the international community to take responsibility for what he termed a 'heinous crime' against Palestinians left without safe shelter.
The impact of the storm has heightened fears among displaced families, who have faced similar flooding and wind damage in previous rainy seasons. The Gaza Media Office estimates 93% of displacement tents are unsuitable for shelter, a situation exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, including shelter materials.
Israeli violations of the humanitarian protocol in the recent ceasefire agreement have further complicated relief efforts. Phase one of the ceasefire deal involves the release of hostages and reconstruction plans for Gaza, but aid entry remains blocked. Since October 2023, Israeli actions have resulted in over 69,000 deaths, mostly women and children, leaving Gaza devastated.