Board of Peace Criticizes Israel’s Gaza Aid Response Following Floods

The US-backed Board of Peace, an organization established to oversee the implementation of Donald Trump's peace plan, has issued a rare critique of the Israeli government. The group is calling for the immediate authorization of essential humanitarian supplies into Gaza after heavy rains caused widespread flooding, destroying thousands of makeshift tents and shelters.

The situation has become dire for the roughly 1.4 million people living in temporary structures, who represent about 65% of Gaza's total population. Recent weather events have led to tragic loss of life, including the deaths of three children and a woman in the central Strip when a sand embankment collapsed onto their tents. Displaced residents report that their remaining belongings, including bedding and food, have been destroyed by the combination of heavy rain and overflowing sewage.

The Board of Peace and the humanitarian crisis

While the Board of Peace acknowledged that Israel has been considering various aid measures, it maintained that the current response remains insufficient. The organization stated that it has been urging officials to allow the entry of critical goods, specifically for water and sanitation infrastructure. According to the Board, delays in approving these supplies have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis and hindered the transition of authority to a new government. Furthermore, the Board noted that Hamas's failure to disarm has compounded the suffering of civilians.

In response, the Israeli military agency Cogat stated that it has facilitated the entry of over 91,000 tents and thousands of trucks carrying winter supplies. However, officials emphasized that they will not permit equipment that could be used for military purposes and maintained that reconstruction efforts are contingent upon Hamas fully disarming. Israeli officials further accused Hamas of hoarding aid and obstructing progress in the region.

Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian agency OCHA reported that over 150,000 tents are currently sitting outside Gaza, ready for delivery but blocked by ongoing restrictions and funding gaps. UN humanitarian coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov warned that stocks of winter essentials have been completely exhausted, stating that authorities must lift all remaining barriers immediately.

The Board of Peace says Israel's aid response to flooding in Gaza remains insufficient for displaced civilians.

Hamas has rejected the Board's assessment, describing it as a distorted account of the disaster. The group maintains that Israeli restrictions are the primary cause of the lack of shelter and recovery materials, while also pointing to prior statements from international mediators that accused Israel of violating ceasefire agreements.

Why it matters

The ongoing dispute between Israel and Hamas regarding disarmament and aid access has stalled the peace plan, leaving the civilian population in a precarious state. This deadlock affects the stability of the region and the implementation of the October 2025 ceasefire deal, which remains a focal point for international humanitarian efforts.