GAZA, November 7, 2026 — Heavy rain flooded tents sheltering displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, worsening already difficult living conditions as families struggled to keep bedding and belongings dry, Reuters reported.

The Hamas-run Gaza Government Media Office said at least 70,000 tents were flooded during a 12-hour period. The Civil Defence Service said it received about 1,500 calls for help. Local authorities reported injuries during the storm; three empty buildings also reportedly collapsed, with no injuries recorded in those incidents.

In Gaza City, residents tried to keep water out of makeshift shelters, clear pooled rainwater and move children and bedding to drier areas. Displaced residents told Reuters that soaked mattresses and a lack of replacement tents and tarpaulins left families with few options for staying dry.

Municipal and Civil Defence officials said shortages of fuel and damaged vehicles and pumping equipment constrained their ability to drain flooded areas. Gaza authorities also accused Israel of restricting the entry of shelter and construction materials. COGAT, the Israeli military body coordinating humanitarian aid, did not immediately respond to that specific allegation, Reuters reported.

COGAT said it had stepped up sanitation work ahead of the rain in coordination with humanitarian organisations. It said four vacuum trucks entered Gaza during the week through the International Committee of the Red Cross, joining eight delivered the previous month for sewage pumping, waste collection and repairs to water and sewer networks.

The flooding has highlighted the risks faced by displaced families living in temporary shelters amid extensive damage to infrastructure and continued shortages of essential supplies. Humanitarian organisations continue to call for safer shelter, sanitation, clean water and emergency assistance.