Israel and Hamas both responsible for humanitarian crisis caused by floods in Gaza

The Board of Peace has held both Israel and Hamas responsible for the "immediate humanitarian crisis" caused by seasonal floods in the Gaza Strip. According to a report by Mint, the organisation warned on Monday that both parties have failed to fulfil the commitments made as part of the peace process.

In a statement posted on X, the organisation stated that thousands of tents and temporary shelters in Gaza have been submerged due to heavy rains. This has resulted in the loss of essential goods, and displaced families are facing cold and insecure conditions. The Board of Peace stated that the immediate entry and distribution of shelter, sanitation, drainage, and other necessary winter materials are critical to saving lives.

The Board stated that it had requested Israel to allow the entry of materials such as water, sanitation infrastructure, and temporary shelter into Gaza, but Israel's response has been "insufficient". The organisation has called upon the leadership of the Israeli government to take immediate steps to facilitate the entry of all necessary winter and humanitarian supplies.

Simultaneously, the Board of Peace has also pressured Hamas to fulfil its responsibilities under Trump's peace plan, which include laying down arms and relinquishing the right to govern. The organisation has asked the Hamas leadership to adhere to its commitments without delay. The Board clarified that "Hamas's responsibility for initiating the attacks on October 7, 2023, without any consideration for the consequences on the population, is not diminished."

Regarding this matter, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they are moving forward with a winter preparedness plan for Gaza in collaboration with the Board of Peace, the United Nations, international organisations, and donor countries. According to the IDF, 8,200 trucks containing more than 91,000 tents and tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing, and other supplies have entered Gaza. Furthermore, they added that projects to improve water and sanitation infrastructure are ongoing.

On the other hand, Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed in a separate post that Hamas's own videos show that it had dug up water pipes in Gaza to manufacture rockets. The Ministry stated that when rain falls and sewage water floods the streets of Gaza, the anger should be directed at Hamas.

The Board of Peace was established last year by US President Donald Trump, when Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas group agreed to a US-mediated ceasefire. This ceasefire was seen as the first phase of the Trump administration's plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. Currently, Israeli forces control approximately 65% of Gaza's area. Israel and the US maintain that Hamas should lay down arms as a first step, while Hamas wishes to lay down arms only after the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.