International News Department 25/11/2024
Severe flooding has struck Gaza, further exacerbating the dire conditions faced by its 2.3 million residents amidst continuous Israeli bombardments that began in October.
Heavy rains inundated tents housing displaced Palestinians, leaving hundreds scrambling for safety in the middle of the night. Among them was Rami, a 37-year-old man sheltering at a former football stadium in Gaza City. Describing the chaos, Rami recounted, “We ran in the middle of the night as rainwater flooded the tent. The food is ruined, and the children were screaming. I’m afraid they will fall sick.”
Humanitarian Appeal for Urgent Assistance
The Palestinian Civil Defence reported that thousands of displaced families were severely impacted by the seasonal downpour. According to spokesman Mahmoud Basal, the rains caused extensive damage to makeshift shelters, destroying essential items like mattresses and personal belongings.
“Rainfall has caused severe damage to tents housing thousands of displaced people. Water has flowed inside, damaging luggage and essential supplies,” Basal stated, highlighting the growing vulnerability of the displaced population.
The Civil Defence issued a stark warning of an impending humanitarian catastrophe if immediate action is not taken. They called on the United Nations and the international community to intervene swiftly by providing weather-resistant tents and caravans to shield the displaced population from the harsh winter conditions.
Gaza: A Region in Ruins
The flooding adds another layer of hardship for Gazans who have endured weeks of relentless Israeli airstrikes, which have devastated the territory and claimed over 44,000 lives. Nearly every resident has been displaced at least once, as much of Gaza’s infrastructure lies in ruins.
On the international front, accountability efforts are underway. The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In addition, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, further spotlighting the atrocities committed during the ongoing conflict.
The scenes of flood-drenched tents, compounded by food shortages and inadequate shelter, underline the immense challenges Gaza faces. With humanitarian aid still falling short, the displaced population endures both the physical devastation of war and the onslaught of natural disasters. As winter sets in, urgent international intervention is critical to prevent further suffering for Gaza’s beleaguered people.