Heavy rains exacerbate the suffering of displaced people in Gaza

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that heavy rains in the Gaza Strip have caused widespread damage to shelters and belongings of displaced people, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. According to an initial assessment conducted by OCHA as of this morning, at least 120 families have had their tents and shelters damaged, destroyed, or flooded since yesterday. OCHA and its partners are currently working to identify the most affected areas and assess needs in order to provide a rapid response. OCHA noted that relief operations, like most humanitarian work in Gaza, continue to face a number of obstacles, including restrictions on the import of essential supplies and disruptions to supply chains.