Heavy rainfall has brought flooding and further hardship to Gaza’s Muwasi tent camp, exacerbating the already dire living conditions for its residents. The camp, which is home to hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, is struggling to cope with the aftermath of two years of conflict.

The recent downpour, which began on Friday, has caused widespread flooding, with water cascading through the camp and soaking families’ belongings. Residents have attempted to dig trenches to divert the water, but the makeshift shelters and tents are no match for the heavy rain. The situation is further complicated by strong winds, which can topple tents and hinder efforts to gather food and supplies.

For many residents, the flooding has been a devastating blow. Bassil Naggar, who recently purchased a new tent on the black market for around $712, found that it was still leaking despite his efforts to keep the water out. “I spent all day pushing water out of my tent,” he said, adding that his neighbors’ tents and belongings were also severely damaged.

The United Nations estimates that Muwasi was sheltering up to 425,000 displaced Palestinians earlier this year, with the majority living in temporary tents. The camp’s infrastructure is severely strained, with inadequate drainage and a lack of proper shelter. The Israeli defense body responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza has announced that it will allow the entry of winterization materials, including blankets and heavy tarps, but aid organizations warn that these efforts are insufficient to meet the needs of the camp’s residents.

As winter temperatures drop and the wind picks up, the situation in Muwasi is likely to deteriorate further. The camp’s residents are in urgent need of adequate shelter, food, and supplies to withstand the harsh weather conditions. The international community must take note of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza and work towards providing sufficient aid and support to those affected. With the camp’s infrastructure on the brink of collapse, it is imperative that a long-term solution is found to address the displacement and poverty that has plagued the region for years.