A powerful winter storm that struck Gaza late last Friday has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis for displaced families. According to the Gaza Government Media Office, approximately 70,000 makeshift tents were inundated with water within the first 12 hours of the weather event, while numerous structures weakened by ongoing conflict collapsed under the pressure. According to gaza’s Government Media Office, Around 70,000 tents were flooded within the first 12 hours, while dozens of walls weakened by Israeli bombardment during genocidal war collapsed. These photos capture the growing hardships faced by Palestinian families in makeshift camps as winter approaches.
Tragedy struck in Deir al Balah on Sunday when a landslide hit a tent camp, resulting in the deaths of a woman and four children. The Palestinian Civil Defence has since received over 1,500 emergency distress calls. Rescue operations are currently hampered by significant shortages of equipment and essential resources as crews continue searching for missing individuals.
Munir al-Bursh, Director-General of the Gaza Health Ministry, stated that the widespread flooding has left an estimated 350,000 displaced Palestinians without protection from the cold. He issued an urgent appeal for the immediate delivery of tents, durable shelter materials, and reconstruction supplies to aid those struggling in these worsening conditions.
