Tens of thousands of tents flooded after heavy rains in Gaza

Heavy rains have flooded tens of thousands of tents where displaced residents have been living in Gaza, with a United Nations official saying almost everyone in the territory needs help.

Residents used pots and pans to clear water from their flooded tents, with some saying they were left without shelter.

Jonathan Veitch, the Unicef representative for Palestine, said the “desperate” situation was being made worse by Israeli restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery and supplies such as engine oil.

Some 90% of Gaza residents have been displaced by the Israeli war against Hamas, many of them multiple times, with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

Aid agencies say the situation is likely to worsen with the start of the rainy season.

Speaking to the BBC from Deir Al Balah in central Gaza, Veitch said: “It’s just horrific and they’re absolutely desperate.

“We’re providing all the assistance that we can but we’re getting stopped on the street as we’re driving now because people are begging us for help.”

The Hamas-run government in Gaza said about 70,000 tents had been flooded. A spokesperson said the “collapse of dozens of cracked walls and roofs” had caused injuries, some of which were critical.

Veitch also said there were fewer tarpaulins, plastic sheeting and tents available in the Gaza strip due to UN budget cuts.

“We have to be much more choosy about where we’re going to be supporting,” he said.

“But unfortunately, heavy flooding this morning means that nearly everyone needs help.”

Israel has said it restricts the entry of items into Gaza that could be used for military purposes.

Maryam Odeh, 34, who lives with her children in Deir al-Balah, told AFP news agency: “We no longer know how to protect our children.

“My children ask me where we will sleep tonight, and I have no answer.”

Khaled al-Najjar, 41, told AFP: “We fear for our children not only from the flooding of the tents, but also from the cold and the widespread diseases.”