Israeli forces have launched fresh strikes across the Gaza Strip, continuing what have been described as near-daily violations of the ceasefire agreement. The ongoing war on the enclave has compounded the suffering of displaced Palestinians, many of whom are now facing the destruction of their few remaining belongings in floods caused by heavy winter rains.
On Tuesday, Israeli air raids hit areas north of Rafah and east of Khan Younis, as well as the Maghazi camp in central Gaza and Beit Lahiya in the north, according to Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary.
Reporting from Gaza City, Khoudary noted that artillery fire was also recorded in southern and central parts of the territory, alongside an attack in the Shujayea neighbourhood that struck near the tent of a displaced family.
She said the latest assaults—nearly 1,000 since the United States-brokered ceasefire took effect in October—were unfolding amid severe hardship for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians. Heavy rains and strong winds have battered makeshift camps, destroying what little possessions families had managed to keep.
“Families here are helpless while the Israeli authorities continue to restrict all kinds of shelter into the Gaza Strip,” Khoudary said.
Officials have cautioned that the extreme weather poses further risks, including outbreaks of disease as damaged sewage systems contaminate floodwaters, and the danger of collapsing buildings under the strain of rain and wind. At least two people have died in recent days after structures gave way in the storms.
In a camp east of Deir el-Balah, tents have been submerged in muddy water, leaving families without shelter or basic items. Gaza’s Government Media Office reported on Sunday that Israel has committed 969 ceasefire violations since October 10, resulting in 418 civilian deaths and more than 1,100 injuries.
“Palestinians are still very traumatised and anxious,” Khoudary said. “The situation on the ground continues to deteriorate as the rain continues.”
Inside the flooded tents, Al Jazeera journalists found mattresses, pillows, and blankets soaked through.
“The tent has been flooded,” said resident Mohammed al-Louh. “I took my family out, but I couldn’t even get a blanket, a mattress or a bag of flour. I have no way to sleep with my children or keep them warm.”
Another displaced man, Haitham Arafat, said he had lost his son, daughter, and home to the war, and was still enduring the harsh conditions.
“I fled to this place. Does this mean the war is over?” he asked. “No, we are still suffering. We haven’t slept for two days because of the heavy rain.”
Al Jazeera’s Ibrahim al-Khalili, reporting from the camp, described the winter storms as a new “chapter of suffering” for Palestinians already trapped in a humanitarian crisis.
“What was meant to be a temporary shelter for them has turned into a flooded trap,” he said.
SOURCE: Aljazeera
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