Heavy rains are exacerbating the already desperate conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to UN agencies. The downpours, which have continued for the past week, are causing widespread damage and raising fears of illness and death among those living in makeshift shelters.
Worsening Conditions and Rising Toll
Unicef spokesman Jonathan Crickx described the recent weather as “horrendous,” reporting up to 15cm (6in) of standing water near his office. He expressed extreme concern for children, many of whom are living in tents with limited or wet clothing, and are vulnerable to hypothermia and other illnesses.
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported at least 12 deaths directly linked to the severe weather: a two-week-old baby died from hypothermia, and 11 others perished in building collapses. A spokesman for the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported a higher toll, stating 17 people, including four children, have died due to collapses and the cold.
Shelter and Aid Shortages
The UN and its partners estimate that approximately 55,000 families have been affected by the rains, with belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed. More than 40 emergency shelters were flooded on Monday and Tuesday, forcing further displacement. Despite increased deliveries of tents, blankets, and clothes since the ceasefire began, aid agencies say the supplies are insufficient to meet the immense needs.
Unicef has delivered 250,000 winter clothing kits, 600,000 blankets, and 7,000 tents, but Jonathan Crickx emphasized that “the scale of the needs is so immense that we still have thousands of people and children who are really suffering every night.” Many of those displaced have been uprooted multiple times over the past two years.
Ongoing Ceasefire and Reconstruction
The second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is expected to include plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, alongside discussions on post-war governance, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the disarmament of Hamas. Israel’s prime minister recently stated that this phase is nearing, contingent on the return of the body of one remaining Israeli hostage held by Hamas.
Cogat, the Israeli military body overseeing Gaza’s border crossings, maintains that aid is entering Gaza – between 600 and 800 lorries daily – including 310,000 tents and tarpaulins and over 1,800 lorry loads of warm clothing. The UN reports the collection of 67,800 tents, 372,500 tarpaulins, and 318,100 bedding items from crossings during the same period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in Gaza regarding the weather?
Heavy rains over the past week have worsened the living conditions of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, causing flooding, building collapses, and raising concerns about hypothermia and illness.
How many people have been affected by the rains?
The UN and its partners estimate that almost 55,000 families have been affected, with more than 40 emergency shelters flooded and over 17 deaths reported due to the weather.
What is being done to provide aid?
UN agencies have increased deliveries of tents, blankets, and clothes since the ceasefire began, but they report that the aid is not sufficient to meet the immense needs of the displaced population.
As the ceasefire continues, what challenges will aid organizations face in providing sustained support to those affected by both the ongoing conflict and the immediate threat of harsh weather conditions?
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