Displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are experiencing severe winter weather, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and low temperatures, which have significantly impacted living conditions and shelters. Humanitarian agencies report an urgent need for shelter assistance for hundreds of thousands of families, while aid delivery faces various challenges. The severe weather has also been linked to multiple fatalities.
Impact of Winter Weather and Displacement
Heavy rainfall and strong winds have affected displaced populations across the Gaza Strip over recent weeks. Observations near UNICEF offices reported up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) of water accumulation, and residents in areas like Khan Younis and Gaza City reported ankle-deep water inside temporary shelters. Nighttime temperatures have been noted at approximately 7-8 degrees Celsius (45-46 degrees Fahrenheit).
A majority of Gaza's population, displaced by conflict, currently resides in temporary structures, with an estimated one million people living in tents and makeshift shelters. Many of these individuals have experienced multiple displacements and possess limited changes of clothing. Thousands of tents, often constructed from tarpaulin or plastic sheeting on fragile wooden frames, have been damaged or destroyed by the recent storms. Reports indicate that approximately 55,000 families have had their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed by the rains. More than 40 designated emergency shelters have experienced significant flooding, leading to further relocation for occupants.
Residents, such as Fatima Hamdona in Gaza City and Nihad Shabat in Khan Younis, reported their children falling ill and their food supplies, clothing, mattresses, and blankets being affected by floodwaters. Concerns have been raised regarding potential disease dissemination due to rainwater mixing with sewage and the risk of hypothermia and other illnesses for children due to prolonged exposure to wet conditions and cold temperatures.
Casualties and Incidents
The severe weather has been associated with several fatalities:
- The Hamas-run health ministry reported one infant death attributed to hypothermia and 11 additional fatalities resulting from building collapses during the severe weather period.
- One-year-old Mohammed Bassiouni was reported to have died from exposure to cold on January 13. This brings the reported total to seven children who have died from hypothermia since the onset of winter in Gaza, with four of these deaths occurring since the beginning of the year.
- At least 25 Palestinians have reportedly died due to collapsing damaged buildings and walls during the storms.
- In one incident, three members of the Hamouda family—Mohamed Hamouda (72), his daughter-in-law Doaa Hassouna, and his 15-year-old granddaughter Rimas Hamouda—died when a wall of the Organza building collapsed onto tents sheltering 15 people in western Gaza City.
- One man died in a building collapse in the Shati refugee camp.
Displaced individuals have reported being compelled to seek shelter in structurally unsound buildings despite warnings from Civil Defense.
Humanitarian Aid Requirements and Obstacles
Humanitarian agencies, including the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and UNICEF, have intensified requests for increased aid. The NRC, which leads the Shelter Cluster (comprising approximately 20 NGOs), estimates that 260,000 Palestinian families (approximately 1.5 million people) require emergency shelter assistance and essential winter provisions.
A ceasefire commenced on October 10. Since this time, humanitarian agencies have increased deliveries of tents, blankets, and clothing. UNICEF reported facilitating the entry of 250,000 winter clothing kits, 600,000 blankets, and 7,000 tents during this period. However, these agencies state that the volume of aid remains insufficient to meet the extensive needs.
Aid organizations report various challenges in delivering supplies:
- Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the NRC, stated that aid flow delays are due to what he described as "a bureaucratic, military, politicised quagmire." He also noted delays since the adoption of the Trump peace plan regarding humanitarian aid flow.
- NGOs report that approximately 19,000 tents have entered Gaza since the ceasefire. An additional 44,000 pallets of non-food aid, including tents and bedding, are reportedly awaiting entry in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel.
- Israel implements a new registration process for aid organizations operating in Gaza, citing security concerns, requiring lists of local Palestinian staff. Aid groups have stated that data protection laws in donor countries restrict them from submitting such information.
- Items such as tent poles, drainage equipment, heaters, solar equipment, cement, and timber are classified by Israel as "dual-use" (signifying both military and civilian applications), resulting in their entry being either prohibited or significantly restricted. The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that the entry of mobile homes, caravans, and shelter materials has been completely prevented.
- The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that only 24,611 out of 57,000 agreed aid trucks have entered the enclave since the ceasefire.
Cogat, the Israeli defense body overseeing border crossings, stated it had coordinated with the international community to facilitate the distribution of nearly 140,000 tarpaulins to Gaza residents over recent months for winter preparations. Cogat also called upon international organizations to coordinate additional tents, tarpaulins, and other winter humanitarian responses, indicating collaboration with the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) for a humanitarian response plan.
Distribution Challenges and Calls for Action
Palestinians have reported that tents supplied by international agencies and Gulf donors have been diverted to the black market in Gaza. Prices for tents reportedly decreased following a modest increase in supply but remain high. Requests have been made for international assistance in equitable distribution of shelters.
Hamas issued a statement urging the international community to pressure Israel to allow shelter supplies, heating, fuel, medical, and food aid into Gaza. They warned of potential further casualties if urgent aid is not delivered and restrictions are not lifted, calling on mediators to ensure Israel fulfills its obligations under the ceasefire agreement.