Gaza is facing a humanitarian crisis as torrential rains have flooded thousands of tents housing displaced Palestinians. The extreme winter cold has compounded the suffering of residents already struggling in temporary shelters.
Local authorities report that water levels in many areas have risen up to 40–50 centimeters, submerging tents and destroying bedding, blankets, and personal belongings. Several tents were washed away entirely, and even a field hospital was forced to suspend operations due to the flooding.
Residents in the tent camps are already enduring harsh conditions. Many are living in makeshift shelters made of plastic sheets and worn-out tarpaulins, which are unable to protect them from the downpours. Some families have tried digging small trenches to drain the water, but there is no proper drainage system in the camps.
Two years ago, after the Hamas attack in October 2023, Israeli air and ground strikes displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2 million residents. Thousands of people continue to live in tents and temporary shelters. Although a ceasefire has largely held since mid-October, much of Gaza’s infrastructure remains destroyed, leaving civilians vulnerable to natural disasters and basic survival challenges.
Umm Ahmed Awouda, a resident of one of the flooded camps, said, “Winter has just begun, and we are already facing floods and hardship. Our tents and tarpaulins are two years old and completely damaged. We have no new shelter or protection.”
Humanitarian groups have warned that at least 300,000 new tents are urgently needed to provide adequate shelter to roughly 1.5 million displaced people. The United Nations and aid organizations are trying to deliver winter supplies, including blankets, warm clothing, and tents, but Israeli restrictions limit the number of trucks allowed to enter Gaza.
Palestinian authorities say promised aid is being blocked under the ceasefire, while Israel maintains that it is fulfilling all obligations and that any delays or mismanagement are the responsibility of aid agencies. Hamas has denied allegations of aid misappropriation.
Health workers have cautioned that living in flooded, unsanitary conditions could increase the risk of waterborne diseases, respiratory infections, and other health emergencies. Immediate action and international support are critical to prevent further suffering in Gaza as winter deepens.