More than 2 thousand families were negatively affected by heavy rains in Gaza

In the statement made by UNRWA, it was stated that the adverse weather conditions throughout the Gaza Strip caused floods in tents and shelters.

In the statement, it was stated that the rains directly affected more than 2 thousand displaced families living in 113 emergency shelter centers belonging to UNRWA.

It was emphasized that the floods worsened the already extremely harsh living conditions of Palestinians, most of whom stayed in makeshift tents and temporary shelters.

Stating that field teams assessed the damage and identified urgent needs, UNRWA noted that it continued water evacuation efforts in coordination with humanitarian aid partners and tried to unclog drains.

In the statement, it was warned that the expectation of new waves of rain in the region increased the urgent need for safe shelters, blankets, beds and other winter materials, and underlined that the teams continued to fight the consequences of the flood despite serious operational restrictions, lack of equipment and basic humanitarian supplies.

70 thousand tents flooded in Gaza

Cold weather conditions accompanied by heavy rain and wind have continued to affect the Gaza Strip since November 6.

According to the data announced by the media office of the government in Gaza and the Civil Defense Directorate, 70 thousand tents and all the camps where the displaced people stayed were flooded due to adverse weather conditions.

While 4 houses and dozens of walls, which were heavily damaged in Israel's genocidal attacks, collapsed, it was reported that the condition of some Palestinians injured due to the adverse conditions was critical.

Approximately 2 thousand buildings may collapse at any time

In his previous statement, Gaza Ministry of Health Director General Munir al-Bursh warned that approximately 2 thousand buildings damaged in Israeli attacks could collapse at any time and fall on Palestinians living in or around them.

Burş said that families who could not leave their homes had to stay in these structures despite the danger to their lives because they could not find an alternative shelter or tent.

Destruction caused by Israeli attacks deepens the housing crisis

More than 80 percent of the buildings in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has continued its attacks since October 2023, were destroyed or severely damaged.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are struggling to survive in makeshift tents and temporary shelters as most of the residences have become unusable.

Heavy rains in Gaza flooded many tents housing displaced Palestinians, further worsening the already dire housing conditions.

Israel's restrictions on the entry of containers, tents, tarpaulins and basic humanitarian aid materials into the region make it difficult for Palestinians to be protected from cold weather and rains.

Israel's failure to fulfill its humanitarian obligations under the ceasefire agreement is also among the obstacles to meeting the shelter and reconstruction needs in the region.