News- Middle East: Heavy rains have flooded hundreds of refugee tents in Gaza City, and powerful winds tore through hundreds more, as Israel, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, continues to block the entry of adequate winter clothing and shelter materials.

The storm, caused by a polar low-pressure system, brought heavy rain and strong winds to Gaza on Saturday.

It was the third such system to hit Gaza this winter, with another expected to arrive early next week, according to local authorities.

The Palestinian Civil Defense had warned residents to prepare for severe weather starting Friday evening, cautioning that heavy rain, falling temperatures, and strong winds could cause flooding and hazardous conditions through Wednesday.

Gaza City mayor, Yahya Al-Sarraj, said thousands of families were left without shelter after their tents were inundated or destroyed, forcing many to sleep in the open as temperatures continued to drop.

Officials warned that conditions could worsen, with prolonged rainfall and freezing winds threatening already vulnerable populations living in overcrowded and unsafe areas.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Gaza Government Media Office, said “warnings of a humanitarian disaster are highly likely” as the storm battered the besieged territory.

Aid organizations have urged the Israeli regime to meet its obligations under the October 10 ceasefire agreement by lifting the siege and allowing the entry of shelters, heating equipment, and other essential supplies, which remain severely restricted.

Many families have been confined to tents since late 2023, enduring months of exposure as Israel’s genocidal war has devastated homes and infrastructure across Gaza.

At least 15 people, including three children, have died from hypothermia so far this month amid heavy rains, collapsing structures, and freezing temperatures, Gaza authorities said.

Since launching its genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israel has killed more than 71,000 Palestinians and wounded over 171,000, most of them women and children.

Source: Press Press TV