Dec 10, 2025, 3:47 p.mDec 10, 2025, 3:47 p.m
Residents of the Gaza Strip cross a flooded street.Image: keystone
According to Palestinian reports, many tents in the extensively destroyed Gaza Strip are flooded after hours of rain. A storm is currently bringing a lot of rain, sometimes strong winds and thunderstorms to Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The storm has particularly affected the many people living in makeshift tent camps in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, several Israelis who are traveling on a yacht on the Mediterranean are missing.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa, among others, reported on tents in the Gaza Strip that were full of water. The residents there live under very precarious conditions anyway. Footage circulating in the media and social networks is said to show people in the Gaza Strip trying to free their homes from masses of water using buckets and pots. Palestinians can also be seen, including children, some of whom are standing ankle-deep in water or mud, some barefoot.
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing helpers on site, reported that many tents had collapsed, meaning people had to seek shelter in public buildings, which were often overcrowded and unheated.
Storms cause fear among Gaza residents
Ahmed Abu Ramad told the German Press Agency that he was worried that his tent in the south of the coastal area might collapse. “I held the main pole with my bare hands all night,” said the 42-year-old. Meanwhile, his wife held their five children close to her to keep them warm. Water entered their home from all sides.
33-year-old Maha al-Sein, who says she lives with her family in a room in a partially collapsed building in the city of Gaza, also spent the entire night in fear. Her children asked her if the ceiling would collapse.
Another Palestinian reported that during a previous storm, the wind tore away his family’s tent and belongings. The news about the current storm caused fear, especially among his children. “We live from day to day and never know whether we will wake up the next morning and still have a roof over our heads,” said the 55-year-old from Deir al-Balah, which is in the central section of the Gaza Strip.
Several Israelis missing
According to Israeli media, several Israelis who were traveling to Cyprus on their yacht are missing. The storm had previously raged there. Contact with the group has been broken off.
According to Israeli reports, due to the storm, a plane from Cyprus with Israelis on board that was heading towards Israel had to cross Lebanese airspace. Israel and Lebanon are officially at war.
The storm is expected to last until Friday. (sda/dpa)