Winter storm floods about 70,000 tents in Gaza, media office says
Al-Shifa director warns of a rise in infections; aid groups blame Israeli restrictions on shelter materials
About 70,000 tents sheltering displaced Palestinians have been flooded within 12 hours of the first winter storm of the season, Gaza’s Government Media Office said on Saturday, issuing an urgent call for international intervention. The office estimated initial losses at about $3 million. Civil Defence said crews received about 1,500 distress calls in the 10 hours after rain began early Saturday, while water levels at several shelter sites rose by 30-40 centimetres.