• Heavy rains have flooded tents of nearly two million displaced Palestinians in Gaza.
• Conditions have deteriorated due to restrictions on humanitarian aid from Israel.
• Officials warn of “catastrophic consequences” if immediate aid is not provided.
• Displaced families express desperation over inadequate shelter as winter approaches.
• The UN reports significant shelter shortages affecting over 260,000 families in Gaza.

Heavy rains have led to extensive flooding in Gaza, posing serious risks to the nearly two million displaced Palestinians living in temporary shelters. The storms, accompanied by thunderstorms, have resulted in waterlogged tents, leading to a dire situation for the families who rely on makeshift accommodations for survival. The Palestinian Meteorological Department has issued warnings of flash floods and severe weather conditions throughout the region, according to aa and middleeasteye.

Amidst the chaotic conditions, families are struggling to protect their belongings as rain pours into their insufficient shelters. Abdulrahman Asaliyah, a displaced resident, expressed his desperation for better accommodations, saying, “We are calling for help, for new tents that can at least protect people from the winter cold," as many grapple with soaked mattresses and clothing from the flooding. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) severely criticized ongoing restrictions on aid, noting that Israeli compliance with the ceasefire agreement has been lacking, particularly concerning shelter materials, according to aljazeera and middleeasteye.

The humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the fact that Israeli military actions have decimated a majority of Gaza's housing stock, leaving many families with no safe alternatives as winter approaches. According to the Global Shelter Cluster, the ongoing blockade has significantly restricted entry of shelter supplies, contributing to the current crisis where over 260,000 families are reported to be in urgent need of adequate shelter, according to aa, middleeasteye, and aljazeera.

The Palestinian Civil Defence has urged displaced individuals to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from further destruction and flooding, emphasizing the necessity of building barriers to mitigate flood risks. As the rain continues, reports indicate that many Palestinian families are left desperately seeking ways to drain water from their tents, highlighting their complex struggle against both the natural elements and the ongoing humanitarian blockade, as explained by middleeasteye and aljazeera.