Gaza Herald — Approximately 350,000 displaced Palestinians are exposed to severe cold and rain after winter storms flooded their temporary shelters across the Gaza Strip, according to Dr. Munir al-Barsh, director general of Gaza’s Health Ministry.
In a warning issued Sunday, al-Barsh questioned the international community’s failure to provide adequate protection for displaced families, particularly children facing worsening conditions in overcrowded camps.
“What is the world waiting for? Is it waiting for a child to arrive at the hospital with frozen limbs or suffering from dehydration?” al-Barsh asked.
He urged international human rights organizations to intervene, press for the opening of Gaza’s crossings, and ensure the immediate entry of tents, winter supplies, and construction materials.
Al-Barsh said thousands of relief tents remained outside border crossings because of Israeli restrictions, while displaced families continued to endure heavy rain and cold weather without adequate shelter.
Deadly Sand Embankment Collapse in Deir al-Balah
The dangers facing displaced Palestinians were underscored Sunday when a rain-soaked sand embankment collapsed onto tents sheltering families in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Five Palestinians, including children, were killed, while several others were injured. Civil Defense crews conducted search and rescue operations following the collapse.
The incident came as a powerful winter storm swept across Gaza, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds that damaged already fragile displacement shelters.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, approximately 70,000 tents were flooded within the storm’s first 12 hours.
Heavy rainfall also caused dozens of walls weakened by previous Israeli bombardment to collapse, leaving several Palestinians injured.
Floodwaters Submerge Displacement Camps
On Saturday, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported extensive flooding across displacement camps, with water levels reaching approximately 1.5 meters in some low-lying areas.
Emergency crews also responded to incidents involving damaged residential buildings, raising concerns about structures already weakened by Israeli attacks.
Although no deaths were initially reported in those building collapses, Civil Defense warned that additional structures could give way as rainwater penetrates damaged walls and foundations.
The danger is compounded by widespread destruction of Gaza’s drainage systems, roads, residential buildings, and other essential infrastructure.
Many displaced families remain in deteriorating tents that offer little protection from rain, wind, or falling temperatures.
Israeli Restrictions Obstruct Emergency Shelter
Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, humanitarian organizations and local authorities say the supplies entering Gaza remain insufficient to meet the population’s urgent needs.
Israeli restrictions on heavy machinery, construction equipment, prefabricated housing units, and shelter materials have hampered efforts to repair damaged infrastructure and provide safer accommodation.
With winter conditions worsening, health officials warn that prolonged exposure to cold and damp conditions poses serious risks, particularly for children, older people, and those with existing medical conditions.
Al-Barsh called for immediate international action to prevent further suffering and ensure that displaced Palestinians receive adequate shelter and essential supplies.
