Tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza are struggling as heavy winter rains and strong winds flood their tents and destroy fragile shelters. The region has already suffered years of conflict, leaving many families without proper homes.
A polar low-pressure system brought rain and gusts across Gaza on Saturday. Meteorologists said this is the third such system this winter, with a fourth expected to hit on Monday. Many displaced families have been living in tents since late 2023, amid ongoing conflict that has destroyed much of the territory.
Mohammed Maslah, a displaced resident in Gaza City, said he had no other place to stay. “I could not find anywhere to live in Gaza, except Gaza Port,” he told reporters. “After just a few hours of rain, we were soaked.”
In Deir al-Balah, Shaima Wadi, a mother of four, described life in her tent. “Every time it rains and the tent collapses, we try to prop it up with wood,” she said. “With prices so high and no income, we can barely afford clothes or mattresses for our children.”
Earlier this month, heavy rains flooded tents and makeshift shelters across Gaza. Most buildings have been destroyed or damaged during years of conflict. Authorities report that at least 15 people, including three infants, have died from hypothermia in December alone. Several structures have collapsed under the storms. Aid groups have called on Israel to allow more humanitarian assistance and safe shelters into the territory.
Ibrahim Abu al-Reesh, head of Civil Defence operations in Gaza Port, said his teams responded to emergency calls as the weather worsened. “We worked hard to cover some of these damaged tents with plastic sheets after they were flooded,” he said.
Journalists reporting from Gaza say winter has amplified the hardships of tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians. Flooded neighborhoods, muddy streets, and collapsing tents have become common sights as rains continue.
Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue between Israel and Palestinian authorities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit Washington, DC, as negotiators discuss the second stage of the ceasefire that began on October 10. Challenges include the deployment of an international stabilization force, creation of a technocratic Gaza administration, proposed disarmament of Hamas, and further Israeli troop withdrawals.
Despite violations, the ceasefire has partially held. Since it took effect, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports more than 414 Palestinians killed and 1,142 wounded. In the past 48 hours alone, 29 bodies were recovered, including 25 from rubble.
The ministry said the overall Palestinian death toll from the ongoing conflict has now reached at least 71,266, with another 171,219 injured. Recovery operations continue under difficult conditions, with displaced families facing harsh winter weather and limited resources.