Gaza between the Flood of Rain and the Gladness of Hearts

The rain falling on Gaza did not herald a new war, but rather exposed the tragedy of a war that has not ended. Water seeped into the tents of displaced persons, soaking children’s bedding and blankets, and flooding the remaining food and belongings of families, leaving Palestinians who had survived the shelling searching for a dry spot to sleep on.

According to a report issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on November 9, 2026, shelters and property belonging to more than 26,000 families were damaged by the rains. Over 6,000 family shelters were destroyed, and approximately 17,400 others were damaged, while around 1.4 million people are living in tents and temporary shelters. This is not merely an abstract natural disaster; it is a tragedy compounded by destruction, displacement, and the collapse of infrastructure.

Amidst these painful scenes, voices emerged blaming the Palestinian resistance, as if the occupation had not existed prior to this war, and as if Palestinians had not long endured killing, arrest, land confiscation, and home demolitions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, where Hamas does not hold power!

Here, it is necessary to distinguish between two matters: the right of peoples to resist occupation, and the evaluation of the military and political decisions of the resistance. The former is a right affirmed by the principles of self-determination and international law, while the latter is a legitimate field for criticism, review, and accountability, fundamentally a matter for the people living under occupation and paying the price of their choices. This right does not absolve any party of the duty to protect civilians and respect humanitarian law.

However, any discussion regarding the timing or methods of resistance does not grant the occupation a certificate of innocence, nor does it absolve it of responsibility for its actions. Should the suffering of children become a justification for schadenfreude? Should an entire people be punished because they did not choose the path that others deem suitable for them?

On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, based on allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These are judicial procedures requiring accountability under the law, not final convictions, but they confirm that the issue transcends political debate to involve serious international criminal responsibilities.

As for the ceasefire agreement, it was supposed to open a path to halt killings, allow the entry of aid, and facilitate withdrawal and reconstruction. However, the continuation of attacks and the failure of implementation have kept civilians hostage to political and military disputes. Press reports have documented the continued toll of casualties, while Israel continues its war against civilians without addressing any concerns regarding the implementation of commitments.

Most painfully, shelter is not an impossibility; the United Nations confirms the existence of more than 150,000 tents ready for dispatch outside the Gaza Strip, including approximately 117,000 held by the Egyptian Relief Committee in Arish. However, Israeli restrictions and funding shortages are hindering the delivery of necessities. Gaza needs more durable temporary housing, pumps and equipment for water drainage, and materials for housing repairs.

Arab and Islamic countries must unify their efforts in a global political, media, and humanitarian campaign that supports urgent shelter, pressures Washington and European capitals to halt attacks and lift restrictions on aid, and supports international judicial pathways to hold those responsible for crimes accountable, without selectivity or double standards.

As for those who rejoice in Gaza’s suffering, let them remember that political disagreement does not justify cruelty toward the oppressed, and that God Almighty says: “The believers are but brothers” (Al-Hujurat: 10).

The oppressed will have a day when everyone who wronged them, or stood with their oppressor, will be held accountable.

Gaza does not ask us to agree on every decision made there, but its people deserve our agreement on their right to life, freedom, dignity, and security.

The rain that flooded Gaza’s tents should awaken our consciences, not drown whatever remains of mercy within them.