Overview

• Heavy rains in Gaza have exacerbated the plight of Palestinians, many of whom are homeless and living in makeshift tents due to weeks of Israeli bombardment.
• The start of the rainy season and potential flooding raise fears of the enclave's sewage system being overwhelmed, leading to the spread of disease.
• The World Health Organization reports over 30,000 cases of diarrhoea, a significant increase from the expected 2,000 cases, due to infrastructural damage, lack of clean water, and overcrowding.
• The Norwegian Refugee Council warns that the rainy season could mark 'the most difficult week in Gaza since the military escalation began', impeding movement for people and rescue teams.
• Aid organizations, overwhelmed by the immediate humanitarian needs of Gaza's 2.3 million people, have been unable to plan for the challenges posed by rain and flooding.