Storm Floods Gaza Refugee Tents, Threatens Damaged Buildings

A severe weather system has caused widespread flooding in Gaza, submerging thousands of refugee tents and damaging infrastructure. The government media office reported that strong winds and rain led to the collapse of dozens of walls, injuring several citizens. The office also warned of the potential collapse of numerous damaged buildings, previously struck during the war, due to the current weather conditions. It held Israel responsible for the humanitarian consequences, accusing it of maintaining border crossings closures and preventing essential supplies from entering. The office urged the international community to intervene immediately to provide aid and shelter for the displaced.

The mayor of Gaza City stated that thousands of tents were inundated by rainwater, and there are no available alternative locations for the affected displaced people given the limited resources. He noted that rainwater had entered the Orthodox Church in Gaza City's Old Town, and the municipality lacks the capacity to address the situation. He called for the immediate and unconditional opening of Gaza's crossings and the implementation of a ceasefire agreement, warning of escalating humanitarian crises as bad weather persists and thousands of families in tents and damaged buildings face further risks.