Heavy Rains Flood Tents Across Gaza as Winter Storm Wreaks Havoc
Heavy rains across the Gaza Strip have flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians, sparking widespread humanitarian distress as winter arrives. While international aid and relief efforts mobilize, Israeli security officials maintain that Hamas's ongoing control prevents full reconstruction.
Heavy rainfall sweeping across the Gaza Strip since Friday night has flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians, causing widespread damage and humanitarian distress. According to Palestinian officials and Hamas, approximately 70,000 tents were affected, with central Gaza regions such as Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat bearing the brunt of the storm. The Gaza Civil Defense reported receiving over 1,500 distress calls since morning, citing severe shortages of rescue equipment and water drainage tools.
Displaced residents recounted harrowing conditions as families, including children, women, and the elderly, were left exposed to the cold and wet weather. Abu Kamel, a resident of Gaza City, described the heavy downpour as a devastating blow. "This is the first rain system of the winter season, and the damage is immense. People lost everything they had in their tents, from mattresses to food and personal belongings," he said, adding that the rains also caused the collapse of two previously damaged homes, leaving one person injured.
An Israeli security official stated that the harsh scenes emerging from the territory were foreseeable. "As long as Hamas remains armed, Gaza will not be rehabilitated, and residents will continue to live in tents. Even large-scale entry of equipment cannot prevent all weather hazards under these conditions. However, Israel will not allow the entry of supplies that Hamas could exploit to rehabilitate tunnels and manufacture weaponry," the official said.
Meanwhile, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) emphasized that Israel permits the continuous and unrestricted entry of tents and winter gear subject to security inspections. According to COGAT, approximately 8,200 trucks carrying over 91,000 tents, tarps, blankets, winter clothing, and equipment—such as 12 sewage vacuum trucks—have entered the Strip since the winter preparedness plan began. COGAT reiterated that while Israel facilitates humanitarian efforts and infrastructure improvements, it will not allow Hamas to exploit civilian space and aid for military build-up at the expense of local civilians.
