Heavy rains exacerbate the suffering of displaced people in Gaza, amid restrictions that hinder the humanitarian response

According to a preliminary assessment conducted by the office as of this morning, at least 120 families’ tents and shelters have been damaged, destroyed, or flooded since yesterday. The office and its partners are currently working to identify the most affected areas and assess needs with the aim of directing a rapid response.

The office noted that relief operations, like most humanitarian work in Gaza, still face a number of obstacles, including restrictions on the import of basic materials and disruptions to supply chains.

He added that humanitarian partners are providing support to affected families by providing plastic sheets and other shelter materials, but more sustainable solutions are still largely unavailable due to ongoing restrictions.

In a related context, there were reports of continued shelling, shooting, and other attacks. Yesterday, an air strike destroyed 15 shelters and damaged 30 others at a site for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, raising concerns about the protection of civilians.

The United Nations stressed the need to protect residential areas, including avoiding placing military targets inside or near them, and respecting the ban on indiscriminate attacks.