Gaza City:The Gaza Rights Center (GRC) has expressed grave concerns as severe rainfall inundated hundreds of tents throughout the Gaza Strip, exacerbating an already critical shelter crisis. Early Saturday, the storm drenched bedding and belongings in displacement camps.
According to Palestine Info Center, GRC reported flooding in tent camps near several locations, including Gaza City’s port, west of Deir al-Balah, north of Nuseirat refugee camp, and in Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Khan Yunis. The ongoing shelter crisis is linked to extensive Israeli demolition of homes, mass displacement campaigns, and continuous restrictions on the import of tents, construction materials, and vital supplies needed for repairing housing or establishing safer alternatives.
GRC highlighted the plight of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who are exposed to harsh weather conditions in inadequate tents. Citing UN data, the organization noted that around 294,250 families need winter shelter assistance, yet resources are only sufficient to partially aid roughly 52,000 families, a mere 18% of those requiring help.
Additionally, GRC reported that nearly two million Palestinians require shelter and non-food assistance, with over 65% of assessed displaced households living in tents or temporary shelters, many in poor condition. They also warned that approximately 950,000 individuals live in areas with moderate to high flood risks, including more than 400,000 in highly vulnerable zones.
GRC stressed that Israel bears primary responsibility as the occupying power, citing the destruction of homes and infrastructure, prolonged displacement, and restrictions on the entry of necessary shelter supplies. They also pointed out that ongoing limitations on returning to areas under Israeli control have prolonged displacement and obstructed families' attempts to achieve stability.