The Board of Peace, a US-backed body established to oversee the implementation of President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, has issued a rare criticism of Israel. The board has called on Israel to immediately allow all necessary humanitarian supplies into Gaza following heavy rainfall that flooded thousands of tents in the region. While acknowledging the steps being taken by Israel, the board stated that the response was insufficient.
The floods have resulted in severe conditions for the residents of Gaza, with around 65% of the population, approximately 1.4 million people, now living in tents or makeshift shelters according to the United Nations (UN). The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA reported that more than 150,000 tents are ready for distribution but aid efforts are being hindered by Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies and equipment, as well as funding shortfalls.
In response to the flooding, Israel has allowed in tens of thousands of tents and trucks with winter supplies. However, the Israeli military agency responsible for coordinating aid stated that reconstruction can only begin after Hamas fully disarms. Three children and a woman were reportedly killed when a sand embankment collapsed onto tents in the central Strip on Sunday.
The Board of Peace has urged the Israeli government to authorize the entry of essential goods for temporary shelter and water and sanitation infrastructure, stating that delays in approving the entry of supplies exacerbated the consequences of a foreseeable humanitarian challenge. The board also accused Hamas of compounding the difficulties facing Gaza's civilians due to its failure to disarm and transfer power.
Israel has defended its actions, stating that it has in recent months put in place a winter plan in coordination with the Board of Peace and international charities. However, the dispute over Hamas's refusal to fully disarm has left the next stages of the peace plan stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the ongoing crisis. The war in Gaza began in October 2023, resulting in thousands of casualties on both sides according to reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.