Harsh winter storms and flooding have intensified the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly two million Palestinians remain displaced following more than two years of conflict. Makeshift tents and temporary shelters are failing to withstand heavy rainfall, leaving thousands of families exposed to extreme conditions and urgent health risks.

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Winter Storms Flood Displacement Camps

Recent downpours and strong winds have submerged large areas of displacement camps across Gaza. Al Jazeera reporter Hani Mahmoud described conditions as life-threatening:

“Over the past 24 hours, strong wind, heavy rainfall, and plummeting temperatures have turned many displacement areas into pools of muddy water. Floodwaters have mixed with sewage, creating extremely dangerous conditions for residents.”

Families are struggling to protect their few belongings, scooping water from tents with buckets and using rocks and debris to stabilize flimsy shelters.

“All the tents are destroyed. Our children are drowning. There’s nothing for us to wear,” said Assmaa Fayad, a displaced Palestinian.

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Thousands of Tents Damaged

The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that at least 13,000 tents have been damaged by recent storms. Many displacement sites are located in open areas or among the ruins of bombed-out buildings, which themselves are unstable and unsafe for shelter.

“Many buildings are cracked in walls and ceilings, making them unfit for habitation,” Mahmoud added.

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Aid Shortages Exacerbate the Crisis

Under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10, Israel was supposed to allow up to 600 aid trucks per day to enter Gaza. In practice, only about 145 trucks have crossed daily, leaving millions without essential supplies.

UNHCR estimates that at least 300,000 mobile homes and tents are urgently needed to house displaced people. Currently, more than 79,000 displaced individuals are sheltered in 85 UNRWA-run facilities.

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International Response and Calls for Action

The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement condemned the lack of supplies, linking the flooding and worsening conditions to Israel’s ongoing siege of Gaza:

“The suffering of our people, especially the displaced, has worsened amid cold and rainy weather. The flooding of tents is a direct result of the siege and obstruction of aid.”

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem echoed the call for international intervention, stating on Telegram:

“All global efforts to alleviate the disaster have failed due to the Israeli siege.”

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Humanitarian Outlook

Aid organizations warn that Gaza’s population faces an unprecedented winter emergency, as temporary shelters and camps are poorly equipped to withstand heavy rainfall and cold conditions. Even brief periods of dry weather provide little relief, as ongoing storms threaten to destroy more tents and shelters.

Officials emphasize the urgent need for:

• Emergency tents and mobile homes
• Food, clean water, and sanitation supplies
• Medical and health support for vulnerable populations

The situation highlights the compounding effects of war, displacement, and environmental hazards in one of the world’s most densely populated and conflict-affected regions.