Rain floods displacement camps in the Gaza Strip; Hamas and the IDF dispute responsibility

In depth

On Saturday, heavy rain fell in the Gaza Strip, and water flooded tent camps of displaced people. Five people were injured by collapsing walls and parts of structures, and the falling of a sheet of metal was reported. Emergency services warn of shortages of rescue equipment, fuel and alternative shelter.

Hamas claims that 70,000 tents were damaged within 12 hours, and accuses Israel of restricting the entry of shelter materials. COGAT said four water pumping trucks had been brought into the Strip this week and that it was stepping up sanitation preparations in coordination with international organizations.

The defense establishment rejected the claims and clarified that no equipment for rebuilding the Strip would be allowed in without the disarmament of Hamas. The IDF said that more than 91,000 tents had entered the Strip ahead of winter.