GAZA – The winter rains have intensified the suffering of Palestinians already battered by Israel’s ongoing military offensive, as flooding inundated makeshift shelters and medical facilities across the enclave.
The Arab media reported that the heavy showers not only increased the cold but also caused rainwater to seep into tents and hospital wards where thousands of displaced families are seeking refuge. With Israel once again blocking the entry of tents and essential relief supplies into Gaza, many Palestinians are now forced to live in damp, freezing conditions.
The situation has further deteriorated after the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — a controversial aid organisation reportedly backed by the United States and Israel — announced the suspension of its operations in the territory, limiting humanitarian support even more.
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces continue to violate the ceasefire agreement. In the latest incident, four more Palestinians were killed in fresh Israeli strikes. Since the ceasefire deal of October 10, Israel has reportedly committed more than 500 violations.
In a separate development, Hamas has handed over the remains of another hostage to Israeli authorities.
Earlier, the resolution seeking Interntaional Security Force (ISF) was temporarily authorized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for Trump peace plan in Gaza.
The United States had formally proposed the creation of an International Security Force (ISF) for Gaza and submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council outlining the force’s mandate, structure and duration.
According to the draft sent to Security Council members, the ISF would be deployed for a minimum period of two years. The proposal—whose text details the force’s powers and responsibilities—envisions the ISF operating to secure Gaza’s borders, protect civilians and humanitarian corridors, train Palestinian police, and support the de-militarization of the area. The draft gives the ISF authority to take “all necessary measures” consistent with international law to fulfill its mandate.
The document states the force would be an enforcement unit rather than a traditional peacekeeping mission, intended to provide transitional security in Gaza while Israel withdraws its forces and the Palestinian Authority implements institutional reforms. The draft further proposes that Gaza’s civil administration be run by a non-political technocratic committee, and that humanitarian assistance be delivered through the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and national Red Crescent societies.
The ISF would be formed in consultation with a so-called Gaza “Board of Peace,” which the draft names as being chaired by US President Donald Trump. The Board of Peace would oversee the force and is expected to remain in place at least until the end of 2027.
The proposal also specifies that the ISF operate under a “unified command acceptable to the Board of Peace” and that its establishment and operations be carried out “in close consultation and cooperation” with both Egypt and Israel.
US officials said the draft will serve as the basis for negotiations among Security Council members in the coming days with the goal of holding a vote within weeks and beginning a first deployment of forces to Gaza by January.
US officials added the planned ISF would draw personnel from multiple countries. The draft, they said, reflects efforts to balance robust security responsibilities with an international framework for civilian governance and humanitarian delivery during an interim period of transition.
