A new disaster in Gaza.. The rains flood the shelters and the displaced are left without a home.

The Civil Defense Authority in Gaza stated on Friday that tents and shelters for displaced persons in various areas of the sector have been flooded since the night with rainwater, in a scene that exacerbates the tragic living conditions of Palestinians who are already suffering from the effects of war and siege.

The Palestinian territories are affected by a low-pressure system accompanied by a cold air mass, heavy rains, and occasional thunderstorms, according to what the official news agency reported from the Meteorological Department.

Mohammed Basal, the spokesperson for the Civil Defense, said that the water level in some areas of the shelters reached more than 10 centimeters, causing the tents and their contents, including blankets, mattresses, and clothes, to be submerged. He noted that the agency has received "hundreds of signals from Palestinians requesting help and assistance," but the lack of resources has hindered a full response.

Basal added that the low-pressure system has worsened the tragic reality for the displaced, considering that the sector is going through a "catastrophic phase that is no different from killing and death," emphasizing that Palestinians are facing difficult choices in the absence of alternatives.

He explained that there is internal displacement occurring in various areas of the sector, as the displaced seek safe shelter to protect them from the winter cold and rain.

Earlier, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," pointing out that Israel continues to obstruct the adequate delivery of humanitarian aid despite more than a month having passed since the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10.

The displaced people in the sector are living in tragic conditions with a lack of basic life necessities and difficulty accessing vital services, while the majority of families rely on damaged and dilapidated tents for shelter.

The government media office estimated at the end of September that 93 percent of the tents were no longer suitable for habitation, which is about 125,000 tents out of 135,000.

Additionally, tens of thousands of displaced tents have been damaged due to direct or nearby Israeli bombardment or natural factors such as sunlight, winds, and rain, while alternatives are not available due to Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, including tents and mobile homes.

This comes in the wake of the Israeli genocide that began on October 8, 2023, which has resulted in more than 69,000 Palestinian martyrs and over 170,000 injured, most of whom are children and women, while the United Nations estimated the cost of rebuilding Gaza at around 70 billion dollars.