Nearly 1.9 million Palestinians stay displaced across Gaza as winter intensifies. Storms have caused at least 31 deaths from cold and unsafe structures since the season started, per Gaza's media office. Aid groups highlight failing tents that worsen vulnerabilities.
The Toll of Recent Storms
Heavy rains and winds flooded hundreds of tents on January 13, 2026. Collapsed homes killed five near Gaza City's beach, including women and a girl, reports Reuters.
Strong gusts ripped shelters apart, sending some flying meters away. Residents used sandbags to secure what remained amid fuel shortages.
According to Al Jazeera, eight perished overall in the storm, with extreme cold claiming more lives. Civil defence handled hundreds of emergency calls.
Hypothermia's Deadly Grip
Children face high risks in the biting cold. UNICEF notes six child hypothermia deaths this winter alone.
James Elder from UNICEF explained that recent days saw more such tragedies among kids. Hospitals treat surges in related illnesses, especially in young patients.
A one-year-old boy succumbed to cold in a Deir al-Balah tent. Earlier cases included infants as young as seven days old.
Life Inside Makeshift Shelters
Displaced people endure tents of thin canvas and wood on muddy grounds. These offer no warmth or protection from elements.
Mervat, a mother of five displaced nine times, shared that cold deeply affects her children. She described the fabric as providing little safety.
Over 92 percent of homes lie damaged or destroyed. Families lack electricity, heating, and privacy in overcrowded camps.
Winds sweep through shelters, turning them into open refrigerators. Residents report soaked blankets and wet sand floors.
Visual Accounts from the Ground
Social media captures the harsh reality through firsthand videos. These show tents battered by elements and families seeking warmth.
Another post illustrates rainwater seeping into shelters, exposing kids to cold. Such images underscore the urgent needs.
Health and Vulnerability Factors
Cold-related ailments spike without proper clothing or medicine. One in three young children skipped meals recently, per IRC assessments.
Acute malnutrition hits critical levels among kids. Weakened immune systems make simple colds life-threatening in these conditions.
Elderly and ill individuals suffer most from exposure. Displaced groups include over 850,000 in flood-prone sites.
Humanitarian Warnings and Calls
Officials predict catastrophic outcomes without better shelters. Amjad Shawa from Palestinian NGOs called the situation the worst yet.
Gaza City Mayor Yahya al-Sarraj labeled circumstances tragic, with inadequate tents at collapse risk. Aid access restrictions compound issues.
UNRWA stated winter adds to war's suffering for families at the brink. Flooding and damaged shelters heighten risks.
Aid Efforts Amid Blockades
The EU funds IRC to distribute over 800 winter clothing sets. Items include jackets, gloves, and socks for displaced families.
Psychosocial programs help children cope emotionally. These build resilience and provide safety education in camps.
Hamas urges mediators to ensure unconditional aid entry. International groups report insufficient supplies despite daily truck claims.
Qatari spokesperson Majed al-Ansari condemned the man-made catastrophe. He stressed allowing aid without barriers.
About 300,000 new tents are needed for 1.5 million displaced. Current ones wear out quickly under weather stress.
Broader Implications for Gaza
Storms expose ongoing infrastructure destruction from conflict. Rebuilding materials remain blocked, delaying recovery.
Over 7,000 tents damaged in 48 hours alone. Many families lack alternatives, facing repeated displacement.
Palestinian Meteorological Department warns of flash floods. Unsettled weather persists, threatening more sites.
This winter crisis reveals deep humanitarian gaps in Gaza. Improving shelter access and aid flow proves essential for protecting lives.
