Gaza storms devastate displaced families as aid access remains blocked

Severe weekend storms have devastated tens of thousands of displaced families in Gaza, worsening an already critical humanitarian crisis and disrupting aid operations. The flooding has killed at least six people, including children, and destroyed thousands of shelters. The UN humanitarian office (OCHA) reports that Israeli access restrictions and funding shortages are blocking essential supplies, with over 150,000 tents and other materials stuck at the border. More than 26,000 households have been affected, with over 6,000 shelters destroyed and 17,400 damaged, while water levels reached 1.5 meters in some areas. The crisis compounds the situation for 1.4 million people, about 65% of Gaza's population, living in precarious shelters despite the October 2025 ceasefire. Floodwaters mixed with sewage pose health risks, and essential services like kitchens and hospitals have been disrupted, while the UN urges immediate funding and access to deliver aid.