Flood Crisis Hits Gaza As Peace Plan Stalls Over Hostage Issue
December 12, 2025
More than 800,000 people in Gaza face serious flood risks due to a strong winter storm, the United Nations warns. The rain has soaked refugee camps and caused buildings to collapse. Ghadir al-Adham lives with her husband and six children in a damaged tent in Gaza City. Displaced by war, she said, "Here we are, living a life of humiliation. We want caravans. We want our homes rebuilt. We long for concrete to keep us warm. Every day I sit and cry for my children."
Two months after an American-backed ceasefire, Gaza remains stuck in the first phase of Donald Trump's peace plan. The territory is divided, people displaced, and rubble still everywhere. Plans for new homes and a government change are frozen. The deadlock is linked to Israel's search for Ran Gvili, a police officer taken hostage during the October 7 Hamas attacks. His family was told he might be dead, but no proof has been found.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demands Hamas return all hostages before the peace process can move forward. Gvili's parents accuse Hamas of hiding their son and using him as leverage. Hamas denies this and blames Israel for delays.
Experts say both sides hesitate because the next stage means Hamas must give up weapons and Israel must hand over security to an international force. Retired General Israel Ziv notes, "Hamas doesn't want to lose control, and the Israeli side for political reasons also prefer to stay in Gaza."
Netanyahu expressed doubts about foreign forces fully handling Gaza's security. President Trump aims to push the peace plan ahead and plans to announce a new Board of Peace soon.
Meanwhile, Israel is reportedly clearing rubble near Rafah to prepare new temporary housing for Gazans willing to live under Israeli control and undergo security checks. This move may deepen Gaza's divisions, as many Gazans reject living under Israel despite their hope to replace Hamas. The stalled peace plan leaves Gaza caught between flooding and political uncertainty.
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Tags:
Gaza
Flood
Hamas
Peace plan
Israel
Hostage
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