Gaza government media office says 70,000 tents flooded in first day of storm

The Hamas-run government media office in Gaza said on 7 November 2026 that about 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians had been flooded on the first day of a weather depression, a low-pressure system bringing heavy rain and strong wind.

Most of Gaza's displaced population has lived in tents and makeshift shelters since the war began, many of them worn out after repeated use and set up on low-lying ground, in school yards or on beaches. Rain left bedding, clothes and food supplies soaked, and families had little access to dry shelter, heating or warm clothing.

The office, which speaks for the authorities in Gaza, appealed for tents, caravans (prefabricated housing units) and other emergency supplies to be allowed into the territory. The figure came from the office itself and could not be independently verified, and aid groups have repeatedly said that restrictions on shelter materials have left people exposed to winter weather.

The flooding marked the start of a stormy period for displaced families. It formed the background to later incidents, including a collapse of a sand embankment onto tents that killed five people.