The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned that around 500,000 people in the Gaza Strip face heightened flood risks as heavy winter rains exacerbate the already dire conditions in the war-torn region.
In a post on X, the agency said: “Around half a million people are at risk in areas of flooding. The situation will only get worse with every drop of rain, every bomb, every strike.”
On Sunday, heavy rains caused flooding in parts of Gaza, particularly in areas housing displaced persons who are sheltering in temporary tents. The Hamas-run civil defense reported widespread damage to these makeshift dwellings.
Low-lying regions were especially affected due to the lack of a functioning sewage system, with social media footage showing children wading through ankle-deep water between tents.
Mariam Abdel Aal, a 36-year-old mother of five displaced to al-Mawasi in southern Gaza, speaking to DPA, said, “Water flowed into our tent and flooded all our belongings…every day is a tragedy.”
According to her, the family, originally from northern Gaza City, now struggles with inadequate clothing and warmth.
Alao, Ismail Issa, who lives with his family in a tent in Deir al-Balah, told DPA that “the children are constantly cold and sick,” adding that they lack basic resources like food to prepare hot meals.
Since the conflict began, UN estimates indicate that about 90% of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been displaced, many repeatedly.
Meanwhile, concern is also growing for hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas and other militant groups.
Activists recently warned that the hostages may not survive the freezing conditions in Gaza’s tunnels, urging the Israeli government to negotiate for their release and end the ongoing war.