Heavy rainstorms have exacerbated the suffering of displaced Palestinian civilians in Gaza as they continue to endure Israel’s ongoing military offensive, according to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). On Tuesday, the agency reported that displaced individuals, already enduring unbearable conditions due to the war, are now facing the added challenge of torrential rainfall.
The heavy rains have caused extensive damage, flooding more than 100 tents that were providing temporary shelter for displaced families in the southern city of Khan Younis. Additionally, the harsh weather has further disrupted the already fragile living conditions of approximately 500 families who are still residing along Gaza’s shoreline.
The UN agency has stressed the urgent need for increased and regular humanitarian aid to support those affected, particularly in the coming winter months. The displaced people are struggling to stay warm, and the assistance provided so far is insufficient to meet the growing demands.
Since the start of the Israeli military actions on October 7, 2023, more than 45,500 lives have been lost in Gaza, with the majority of casualties being women and children. This continues despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The ongoing violence has drawn international attention, with the International Criminal Court issuing arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes related to the military campaign.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza, further heightening international scrutiny of its conduct in the region.
