Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: Heavy Floods Threaten Displaced Palestinians Amid Aid Restrictions

The risk of disease outbreaks has increased due to inadequate drainage and waste management systems in Gaza.

The UN International Organization for Migration reported on Friday that hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans are experiencing flooding in their temporary shelters due to heavy rainfall, while materials needed for reinforcing shelters and flood protection are being denied entry into the enclave.

On Thursday, torrential rain swept through the Gaza Strip, causing flooding in hundreds of tents housing displaced families. Local health officials confirmed that a baby girl died from exposure during these severe weather conditions.

According to the IOM, nearly 795,000 displaced individuals are facing elevated risks of dangerous flooding in low-lying areas filled with rubble, where families are residing in inadequate shelters. The UN agency emphasized that poor drainage and insufficient waste management further compound the risk of disease outbreaks.

The IOM stated that essential materials such as timber, plywood, sandbags, and water pumps needed to strengthen shelters and manage flooding have been delayed from entering Gaza due to ongoing access restrictions.

Israel maintains that it is fulfilling its obligations and attributes problems to inefficiency among aid agencies and alleged theft by Hamas—claims that Hamas denies. COGAT, the Israeli military division responsible for humanitarian affairs, was not immediately available to comment on the situation.

The IOM added that supplies already delivered to Gaza, including waterproof tents, thermal blankets, and tarpaulins, proved inadequate against the flooding.

IOM Director General Amy Pope remarked, "After this storm made landfall yesterday, families are trying to protect their children with whatever they have."

While a ceasefire has largely held since October, the conflict has devastated much of Gaza's infrastructure, resulting in dire living conditions. United Nations and Palestinian officials have stated that approximately 300,000 additional tents are urgently required for the roughly 1.5 million people who remain displaced.