Storm Floods or Damages 70,000 Gaza Tents

Heavy rain and strong winds flooded or damaged about 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza as winter began, leaving families without dry bedding or safe shelter. Gaza’s civil defense agency said it received more than 1,500 calls for help but lacked the equipment and resources to respond; collapsing walls and roofs caused injuries, and officials warned of worsening health risks and disease. UNRWA says nearly 2 million people in Gaza need shelter assistance and essential supplies, while assessments found 18 displacement-site shelters unsafe, including four at very high risk of collapse. The Winter Emergency Committee has warned that more than 100 camps and shelters face flooding risks, with about 7,800 tents in hazardous locations needing relocation and roughly 200,000 worn-out tents sheltering displaced people. Palestinian authorities and humanitarian groups appealed for urgent assistance and adequate shelter amid shortages of waterproof shelter, heating supplies, clean water and hygiene items, while damaged infrastructure and aid restrictions hinder preparations; one account reported no fatalities.