The first major storm of the season has caused severe flooding across Gaza, inundating approximately 70,000 tents in a 12-hour period over the weekend. Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that the severe weather resulted in at least five deaths and caused roughly $3 million in material damage.
By Monday, Gaza’s Civil Defence logged over 2,100 distress calls, highlighting that more than 2,000 structures face a high risk of collapse. Nearly 400,000 displaced individuals are currently sheltering in areas deemed extremely vulnerable. The humanitarian situation is further strained by restricted aid flows and blockades on mobile homes and additional tents.
Concurrently, political developments are unfolding following Israel’s parliamentary election. President Isaac Herzog tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a government after receiving backing from 67 members of parliament, compared to 46 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Political negotiations continue as Arab-led parties weigh their potential leverage and positions regarding a prospective administration.