Gaza Herald – A severe winter storm battered Gaza, intensifying the suffering of Palestinian families already displaced by two years of Israeli genocide on Gaza. Strong winds destroyed tents while heavy rains flooded low-lying shelters, exposing tens of thousands to life-threatening conditions with no protection from cold or flooding.
The storm forced many families, including children, out into the open under freezing temperatures. Over 250,000 people, out of roughly 1.5 million living in fragile tents and makeshift shelters, were directly affected, facing deteriorating living conditions and scarce resources.
Displaced Palestinians endured harsh cold and brutal winds, often sheltered in thin nylon or fabric tents that offered minimal protection from storms. Many had no choice but to take refuge in streets, playgrounds, schools, and public squares without heating or adequate shelter.
In addition to the storm, the destruction of homes from prior Israeli bombardments worsened the crisis. Several buildings collapsed under the force of wind and rain, while fuel shortages left families unable to heat their temporary shelters, contributing to fatalities among children.
Since the beginning of the winter storm in December, at least 17 Palestinians, including four children, had died. Approximately 90% of the displaced shelters, previously damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks, were rendered unusable, deepening Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.
