Israel rejects Board of Peace criticism over Gaza flooding, blames Hamas for blocking reconstruction
The Board of Peace warned of a humanitarian emergency as severe flooding hit Gaza, while Israel defended its aid efforts and accused Hamas of obstructing reconstruction
Israel's Prime Minister's Office responded on Tuesday to criticism from the Board of Peace over severe flooding in Gaza, insisting that Israel has facilitated the entry of humanitarian supplies while accusing Hamas of obstructing reconstruction efforts.
The Board of Peace warned that flooding over the past two days had inundated tens of thousands of tents and temporary shelters, leaving displaced families exposed to cold and unsafe conditions.
"The situation is no longer merely a threat posed by the approaching winter, but an immediate humanitarian emergency," the Board said.
It urged Israel to authorize additional materials for temporary shelter, sanitation, drainage and sewage disposal, while also calling on Hamas to disarm and relinquish governing authority.
In response, the Prime Minister's Office said Israel had approved additional humanitarian supplies despite Hamas's refusal to fulfill its commitments under US President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan.
According to the statement, Israel has coordinated winter preparations with the Board of Peace, United Nations and international organizations, including the delivery of more than 91,000 tents and 8,200 truckloads of winter supplies.
The preparations also include 12 sewage removal trucks, infrastructure repairs and fuel for pumping facilities.
Israel accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian materials toward military infrastructure and insisted that disarmament remained essential for reconstruction.
"Hamas alone is responsible for the suffering of Gaza's residents," the Prime Minister's Office said.
It called on mediators to demand Hamas's immediate disarmament, describing its continued refusal as the main obstacle to implementing Trump's peace plan.