Heavy rain destroys makeshift shelters, leaving thousands of Palestinians exposed ahead of winter storms.
As winter approaches, heavy rains have flooded displacement camps across Gaza, swamping fragile tents and deepening the suffering of families already uprooted by two years of conflict.
Heavy Rain Brings New Misery
Torrential rain on Tuesday, Nov 25, overwhelmed tent camps across the Gaza Strip, flooding the temporary shelters of thousands of Palestinians who have been living in makeshift structures since the war destroyed swathes of the enclave. Many families watched helplessly as water rushed into their tents, drenching bedding, supplies, and what little remained of their possessions.
Two Years of Conflict, Millions Displaced
Nearly two million Palestinians (a majority of Gaza’s population) remain displaced after more than two years of war following the October 2023 conflict. Although a ceasefire has broadly held since mid-October 2025, much of Gaza’s urban infrastructure remains destroyed, forcing families to face winter in deteriorating tents and shelters unfit for harsh weather.
“We Are Flooded and Humiliated”
Outside her rain-soaked tent, Um Ahmed Aowdah described the despair felt by many families. Her tarp and tent are two years old and now completely worn out, unable to withstand even the early winter storms. “This suffering, this rain, and the low-pressure systems haven’t even started yet,” she said. “It’s only the beginning of winter, and we’re already flooded and humiliated.”
Humanitarian Needs Rise Sharply
The Palestinian NGOs Network, led by Amjad Al-Shawa, estimates that at least 300,000 new tents are urgently needed to house the 1.5 million people still displaced. The Civil Defence Service reported that thousands of tents have been inundated or destroyed in recent days, with floodwaters reaching 40–50 cm in some areas. One field hospital was forced to halt operations due to water damage, leaving patients without critical care.
Aid Struggles to Enter Gaza
The United Nations and international aid agencies say they are working to deliver winter supplies such as blankets, tents, and other relief items. However, they warn that Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries and limited entries of aid trucks continue to hamper efforts to reach those in need. Aid groups and Gaza authorities accuse Israel of impeding sufficient relief access; Israeli officials say distribution challenges and alleged diversions have slowed aid distribution.
Israel and Hamas Trade Accusations
Israel insists it is fully complying with the truce deal, arguing that aid agencies have been slow or ineffective in distributing supplies and have not prevented alleged theft by Hamas. Hamas denies accusations of diverting aid, leaving both sides locked in dispute as living conditions worsen across the devastated enclave.
The flooding crisis exposes the extreme vulnerability of displaced Palestinians as winter approaches. With damaged infrastructure, limited aid, and tens of thousands of shelters in disrepair, Gaza’s humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate—an urgent concern not only for the region but also for neighbouring nations like Indonesia and Singapore, where humanitarian solidarity and policy engagement remain strong.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Gulf Times (2025)
Keywords: Gaza Floods, Palestinian Displacement, Winter Storms, Humanitarian Aid, Conflict Impact
