Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have deepened the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, flooding thousands of makeshift tents sheltering displaced families and leaving many people, including children, exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Local sources reported that rainwater inundated tents set up in low-lying areas, while powerful winds tore through others, forcing entire families to flee their temporary shelters. With temperatures dropping and no alternative accommodation available, many displaced people were left spending the night outdoors amid cold, wet, and increasingly dangerous conditions.
The worsening weather comes as the Israeli army continues to bombard various parts of the Gaza Strip, compounding the suffering of civilians who have already lost their homes during months of conflict. The impact of a strong weather depression has been particularly severe in overcrowded displacement areas, where basic infrastructure is virtually nonexistent and drainage systems are unable to cope with heavy rainfall.
Thousands of tents across different locations were reported either submerged or destroyed, adding a new layer of hardship for families who had sought refuge in them after being displaced multiple times. For many, the tents represented their last form of shelter after homes and neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.
Gaza Municipality said that thousands of families have now been left without any shelter due to damage caused by the weather. The municipality issued an urgent appeal to allow the immediate entry of humanitarian aid, including tents, blankets, and other emergency shelter supplies, warning that the situation could deteriorate further if crossings remain restricted.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that winter conditions pose a serious threat to displaced populations in Gaza, particularly children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. With limited access to heating, clean water, and medical care, exposure to cold and damp conditions increases the risk of disease and further loss of life.
As airstrikes continue and essential aid remains scarce, the combination of war and extreme weather is pushing Gaza’s displaced population deeper into crisis. Local authorities and aid groups stress that without swift international intervention and unhindered humanitarian access, the suffering of civilians is likely to intensify in the coming days.
