Gaza Floods Prompt Peace Council Criticism of Israel

Days after former British Prime Minister Tony Blair visited Israel and met with President Yitzhak Herzog, the Peace Council issued a strong statement regarding the recent floods in the Gaza Strip. The council urged Israel to immediately approve the entry of equipment needed for winter preparations, criticizing Israeli delays for exacerbating the dire situation.

The statement, released following heavy rains that flooded tent cities in Gaza over the weekend, also called on Hamas to lay down its arms and transfer governing authority to the National Committee for Gaza Management. The council expressed deep concern over the seasonal floods, which inundated tens of thousands of makeshift shelters, damaged essential belongings, and left families exposed to harsh conditions.

For months, the Peace Council stated it had been pressuring Israel to allow in vital materials for temporary shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, waste management, and drainage, in line with its commitments under the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement. While acknowledging some steps taken by Israel, the council deemed the response insufficient and called for immediate approval of all necessary winter preparation and humanitarian aid equipment.

The council also addressed Hamas, urging it to disarm, relinquish governance, and fulfill its obligations. It noted that military activity near civilian areas and Israeli positions endangers civilians and hinders humanitarian progress, while emphasizing that Hamas remains responsible for the October 7th attacks. The statement clarified that nothing absolves Hamas of responsibility for the October 7, 2023 attacks.

Tony Blair, who serves as the Senior Envoy for the Peace Council, is involved in efforts concerning Gaza's future and met with President Herzog to advance a peace plan. President Herzog, in his remarks on forming a new government, highlighted the immense challenges facing Israel, including Iran's threats, the need for a political horizon, and post-war planning, mentioning the Peace Council's 20-point plan for Gaza and negotiations with Lebanon.

Separately, the heavy rains in Gaza caused a landslide of rocks and sand onto tents near an encampment south of Deir al-Balah. A woman and three children, aged 8, 6, and 4, were killed, and six others were injured. Residents described the landslide as sounding like an explosion, with three tents completely buried. Many Gazans continue to live in tent cities or damaged buildings, with rehabilitation efforts yet to begin. Gaza Civil Defense stated that at least 70,000 tents were flooded, and spokesperson Mahmoud Basal noted that people erected tents near sandbanks for protection, but emphasized that only reconstruction offers a true solution.