Winter Rains Flood Displacement Camps in Gaza as Aid Shortfalls Persist

Winter Rains Flood Displacement Camps in Gaza as Aid Shortfalls Persist
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Heavy winter rains battered the Gaza Strip over the weekend, flooding makeshift displacement camps and worsening conditions for Palestinians uprooted by nearly two years of war, according to reports by Arab News. Ankle-deep water inundated tents weakened by prolonged use, leaving families struggling to protect basic belongings amid cold and unsanitary conditions.

In camps across Khan Younis and Gaza City, muddy water soaked blankets and mattresses, while fragile shelters were propped up with scraps of wood. Children waded through pooled rainwater in light clothing as dirt roads turned into streams. Some residents used simple tools in an effort to divert water from their tents.

Displaced residents described a night of distress as rainwater poured into shelters from all sides. Families attempted to dry soaked bedding by hand, while others reported tents collapsing or being blown away by wind. For many, the loss of shelter compounded grief from recent family deaths and ongoing displacement.

Health officials in Gaza said at least 12 people, including a two-week-old infant, have died since mid-December from hypothermia or weather-related building collapses. Emergency teams warned against staying in damaged structures, but widespread destruction has left few alternatives. UN assessments estimate nearly 80 percent of buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

Since a ceasefire took effect in October, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported hundreds of additional casualties, with the overall death toll from the war exceeding 71,000. Aid organizations say humanitarian deliveries remain far below needs, despite thousands of trucks entering Gaza with food, tents and winter supplies in recent weeks.

International agencies warned that winter weather is intensifying the humanitarian crisis. UN officials said inadequate shelter and restricted aid flows are leaving families exposed to the elements. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue as Israel and the United States discuss the next phase of the ceasefire, amid unresolved political and security challenges.