Gaza Faces New Challenges as Heavy Rains Flood Makeshift Tents

Post by : Raina Nasser

On Tuesday, Gaza was hit by heavy rainfall, intensifying the already dire conditions for thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents. With the onset of winter, these families, many of whom lost everything in two years of conflict, are bracing for frigid temperatures without adequate shelter.

Approximately 2 million residents of Gaza were forced to flee their homes following the protracted war triggered by the tragic events of October 2023. Although a ceasefire has remained in effect since mid-October, the severe damage to infrastructure—homes, roads, and essential services—has left many struggling to survive. Countless families are still living in dilapidated tents which collapse under the pressure of severe weather.

Residents have expressed how relentless rain has transformed their camps into muddy landscapes. Um Ahmed Aowdah, standing outside her drenched tent, described the heartbreaking reality of her family's situation. For two years, they have not received replacements for their tents or protective covers, leaving them vulnerable even to light rain, let alone to the brutal storms of winter.

Humanitarian organizations are raising alarms about a deepening crisis. The Palestinian NGOs Network reported a pressing need for at least 300,000 new tents to accommodate roughly 1.5 million people who remain displaced across the area. The Civil Defence Service noted that the recent storms have already flooded or otherwise damaged thousands of tents.

In certain regions, floodwaters have risen to half a meter, sweeping away entire tents and disrupting the operations of field hospitals. Medical personnel and local volunteers are working tirelessly to help families retrieve whatever belongings they can.

The United Nations is striving to deliver winter supplies to Gaza; however, the flow of aid trucks is still severely restricted. Gaza's authorities have accused Israel of hindering vital aid promised under the ceasefire, while aid organizations contend that many essential supplies are stuck at entry points. Israel counters that aid groups must enhance their distribution methods to prevent theft, a claim Hamas has denied.

With winter just beginning, families are anxious about facing additional hardships in the coming weeks as they await essential shelter, heating supplies, and basic necessities.