- Heavy rains hit the Gaza Strip from the evening of 6 November 2026 through the weekend, causing widespread flooding, damage, and casualties, including an infant reportedly drowned and several killed when a sand dune collapsed on their tents.
- On Saturday, Hamas blamed Israel for the situation, but security officials rejected the criticism on Sunday, stating that preparations had already been made.
- On Sunday, a sand embankment collapsed on tents south of Deir al-Balah, killing four people.
- The collapse killed a woman, her two children aged 8 and 6, and a fourth child aged 4, injuring six others.
- On Monday, the IDF confirmed the entry of over 91,000 tents and over 8,200 trucks carrying winter supplies into the Gaza Strip, following rebuffing Hamas criticism over weather conditions damaging tents.
- Most of Gaza's 2 million population lives in tents or ruined buildings, with reconstruction yet to begin after the 2023 Hamas attacks.
- At least 70,000 tents were flooded and over 26,000 households reported shelter damage after the weekend rains.
- For many, this is the fourth winter of coping with floodwater overtaking their tents and soaking belongings.
Heavy rains in Gaza have led to devastating flooding, killing four people, including three children, when a sand bank collapsed on tents. The IDF reported that over 91,000 tents and 8,200 trucks with winter supplies have entered Gaza, despite Hamas's accusations of negligence.12346
The flooding occurred after heavy rains from November 6 to 8, causing significant damage to shelters and humanitarian facilities. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, over 26,000 households reported damage to their shelters, with at least 70,000 tents flooded shortly after the rains began.89
Witnesses described the collapse of the embankment as sounding like an explosion. A relative of the victims lamented, “Whoever did not die from bombs and missiles is dying from buildings collapsing on them.” The IDF stated that they are working to improve humanitarian conditions, but the Gaza Board of Peace criticized the Israeli government for insufficient aid.
The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by ongoing displacement, with approximately 1.4 million people living in tents or makeshift shelters. The Civil Defense reported that water levels reached 1.5 meters in some areas, and emergency services received over 2,166 distress calls during the flooding.
As reconstruction efforts remain stalled due to political tensions, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with urgent needs for shelter and humanitarian supplies.
“At least 70,000 tents were flooded and over 26,000 households reported shelter damage, with most of Gaza's 2 million population living in tents or ruined buildings. The UN says over 150,000 tents are ready outside Gaza, but funding and Israeli approvals are urgently needed.”
