Heavy Rains Flood Gaza Camps

Heavy rains and strong winds have flooded hundreds of displacement camps across Gaza, worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis and leaving thousands of families struggling in fragile shelters.

Several Palestinians were injured after a wall previously damaged by Israeli strikes collapsed in central Gaza City during the storm, according to medical sources.

Local officials said the flooding was exacerbated by heavily damaged infrastructure, particularly drainage systems, causing water to accumulate in streets and leak into tents and shelters. Many tents were damaged, swept away, or destroyed by the severe weather.

The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that humanitarian conditions in Gaza are becoming increasingly harsh, with thousands of families living in worn-out tents and temporary shelters that fail to provide basic protection or dignity.

Aid agencies stressed the urgent need to increase the flow of humanitarian assistance, especially as recent winter storms have caused widespread damage. Thousands of tents have been flooded or torn apart, leaving many families without shelter or basic belongings.

Health risks are also rising, as prolonged exposure to cold conditions, particularly at night in poorly insulated shelters, is contributing to a surge in illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.

Officials also warned that Gaza’s healthcare system is under immense pressure, while water, sanitation, and electricity infrastructure require urgent rehabilitation, highlighting the growing scale of the humanitarian emergency.