Thousands of displaced Palestinians across Gaza are facing deepening hardship after heavy weekend rainfall flooded displacement sites, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned on 8 November 2026, according to a press release. Karl Baker, Head of IOM’s Gaza programme, described devastating conditions during visits to sites around Gaza City. Worn-out tents have collapsed, and children are wading through knee-deep, contaminated floodwater. Families have lost what few belongings they had left. IOM is calling for urgent funding, in-kind donations, and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian supplies entering Gaza.
The warning was issued jointly from Gaza City and Geneva as winter conditions set in across the territory. Baker spoke directly from Gaza after inspecting several displacement sites firsthand. Recent rainfall has compounded the hardship facing displaced families already living in precarious shelters. IOM has been distributing thousands of tents and tarpaulins in recent weeks. However, available supplies fall far short of the scale of need.
Baker emphasized that Palestinians in Gaza require stronger and longer-lasting shelter options. Timber emergency shelter kits and prefabricated options, including relief housing units and caravans, must be funded and allowed into Gaza. In sites where IOM and its partners operate, teams have been building drainage channels to divert rainwater. Pathways and shelters are being protected with sandbags made from repurposed flour bags. Most displaced people, however, do not have access to this support.
“Investing in site management is a practical and immediate way to reduce risks and improve conditions for displaced families this winter,” Baker said.
He added that humanitarian teams also need access to the equipment and materials required to carry out this work. IOM has deflooding pumps and community toolkits containing practical equipment and supplies awaiting entry into Gaza. Tens of thousands of sandbags are also waiting to be brought in. These supplies are essential to improve drainage, protect shelters, and help prevent further flooding.
IOM is urging donors to provide funding and in-kind donations of tents, tarpaulins, and blankets to meet the needs of displaced families. Member States have also been called upon to help remove restrictions preventing essential humanitarian supplies from entering Gaza. The organization stressed that site management support can make a tangible difference for displaced families. Without expanded assistance, those outside supported sites remain particularly exposed to flooding. The appeal underscores the urgency of scaling up shelter and site management operations as winter deepens.