Gaza floods kill five as storms destroy makeshift shelters

Heavy rains and flooding have submerged tens of thousands of makeshift shelters in Gaza, killing five people, including three children, on Sunday. The disaster highlights the vast destruction from the war Israel has waged since October 7, 2023, amid continued restrictions on reconstruction aid. Desperate residents, filmed by local journalists, showed tents collapsed by the storm and families wading through knee-deep water to salvage soaked belongings. A widow was seen sweeping water from her tent before breaking down in tears, while a crying child pointed to fragile wooden stakes, saying no one helps them. The five victims died when a sand collapse hit a displaced persons camp in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza. The floods underscore the dire humanitarian situation as Israel limits aid shipments needed for rebuilding.