UN Rapporteur Albanese calls plight of Gaza children in flooded tents ‘disgrace of our era’

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has described the conditions facing Palestinian children sheltering in rain-flooded tents in the Gaza Strip as “the disgrace of our era,” warning of the humanitarian suffering caused by severe winter weather and the continuing consequences of Israel’s military offensive.

In a post on X on Sunday evening, Albanese expressed dismay at images of children living in tents submerged by cold floodwaters, without adequate protection from rain and falling temperatures.

She condemned the conditions facing displaced families as they prepare to endure another winter in makeshift shelters.

Albanese also invoked the writings of Holocaust survivor Primo Levi, criticizing what she described as the failure of European political and diplomatic leaders to uphold the humanitarian principles taught through his work.

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“The words of Primo Levi come to mind—words every European learns in school, yet forgets the moment they enter the world of politics or diplomacy,” she wrote.

Her remarks followed heavy rainfall and strong storms that have affected the Gaza Strip since Friday evening, flooding displacement camps and worsening conditions for families living in deteriorating tents.

Many displaced Palestinians remain in temporary shelters that offer little protection against winter weather, leaving children and other vulnerable residents exposed to cold temperatures and flooding.

The severe weather has compounded the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure during Israel’s military offensive has left large numbers of Palestinians without adequate housing.

Despite the ceasefire, displaced families continue to face difficult living conditions as the consequences of the war, which began in October 2023, persist across the territory.

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