Winter storm floods 70,000 tents in Gaza
Heavy rain and strong winds from the first winter storm of the season flooded about 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza. Authorities reported about $3 million in damage and more than 2,000 buildings at risk, while aid groups said many families lack adequate shelter.
IllustrationThe story so far
The first winter storm of the season brought heavy rain and strong winds to Gaza, flooding about 70,000 tents that shelter displaced Palestinians. Gaza's civil defence agency received 1,500 distress calls in 10 hours as water levels rose in shelter sites. Authorities said the storm caused about $3 million in damage. Israeli restrictions on the entry of shelter materials left families exposed to the elements.
The next day, Israeli weather forecaster Tzachi Peleg mocked displaced residents in Facebook posts as rainwater flooded their tents. He wrote that people in the strip went out to fish in the morning rather than to the beach, and that not a single tent would remain. He added that he had no problem if people did not survive. Residents reported sewage mixing with floodwater, and aid groups said many families lack adequate shelter.
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3 updates · newest first- 8 NovNew development
Heavy rain floods tens of thousands of Gaza shelters
Heavy rains and strong winds have flooded about 70,000 tents and damaged shelters for displaced Palestinians across Gaza, authorities said. Gaza's Government Media Office said the storm caused about $3m in damage, while Civil Defence said more than 2,000 buildings are at risk of collapse. Residents reported sewage mixing with floodwater, and aid groups said many families lack adequate shelter.
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- 8 NovOfficial statement
Israeli forecaster mocks Palestinians over flooded Gaza tents
Israeli weather forecaster Tzachi Peleg mocked displaced residents in Gaza as rainwater flooded their tents. In Facebook posts, he wrote: 'In the strip, they went out to fish in the morning and not to the beach. Such happiness, I haven't experienced since the sixties.' He added: 'Not a single tent will remain, and I have no problem if people don't survive either.'
- 7 NovNew development
Winter storm floods 70,000 tents in Gaza
Heavy rains from the first winter storm of the season flooded approximately 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza, causing an estimated $3 million in losses. Gaza's civil defence agency received 1,500 distress calls in 10 hours as water levels rose in shelter sites. The disaster was exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on the entry of shelter materials, leaving families exposed to the elements.