Heavy rains have severely worsened the humanitarian conditions for displaced Palestinians in Gaza, with United Nations agencies issuing urgent warnings about the risks of hypothermia and illness. Over the past week, intense downpours have flooded makeshift camps, damaged shelters, and compounded the suffering of hundreds of thousands who have been displaced by the ongoing conflict.
UNICEF spokesman Jonathan Crickx reported that the weather has been “horrendous,” with up to 15 centimeters of water accumulating in some areas near his office. He expressed extreme concern for children living in tents and temporary shelters, noting that many are wearing damp clothing in cold temperatures, which heightens the danger of hypothermia. Gaza’s health ministry confirmed the death of a two-week-old baby from hypothermia, and at least 11 other people have died due to building collapses caused by the severe weather.
The structural damage from the rains is significant, with Hamas-run civil defense officials reporting that 17 residential buildings collapsed completely and 90 partially, leading to additional fatalities. Video footage from the Shati refugee camp showed rescue workers recovering a body from rubble, illustrating the perilous state of many shelters. Eyewitnesses described sudden collapses, underscoring the vulnerability of displaced families.
In response, UN agencies have ramped up aid deliveries during the ceasefire, providing hundreds of thousands of winter clothing kits, blankets, and tents. Since the ceasefire began nine weeks ago, over 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered, along with more than 1,800 truckloads of warm items. However, the UN estimates that almost 55,000 families have been affected by the rains, with more than 40 emergency shelters severely flooded, forcing many to relocate repeatedly.
Despite these efforts, aid organizations stress that the scale of need is overwhelming. The International Committee of the Red Cross highlighted the need for increased and sustained humanitarian assistance to address both immediate and long-term needs, including food, shelter, and infrastructure repair. Israeli authorities, through Cogat, state that 600 to 800 trucks enter Gaza daily with supplies, but the UN points to ongoing challenges in distribution and coverage.
The context of this crisis is the two-year war between Israel and Hamas, which has displaced over a million people and caused widespread destruction. The current ceasefire, now in its second phase, includes plans for reconstruction and governance, but progress has been slow. The war was triggered by the October 2023 Hamas attack, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
Looking forward, the UN and other agencies are calling for accelerated aid and durable solutions to prevent further loss of life. The winter conditions are expected to persist, necessitating urgent action to provide adequate shelter and warmth. The international community is urged to support humanitarian efforts and work towards a sustainable peace that addresses the underlying issues in Gaza.
