Humanitarian conditions for displaced families in Gaza deteriorated significantly on Thursday as a winter storm rolled into the enclave bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding in already overcrowded shelters, according to local officials and aid organizations operating in the region.
Beginning late Wednesday night, the storm quickly overwhelmed makeshift camps where tens of thousands of displaced people had been living in temporary tents or improvised structures. Aid workers reported widespread waterlogging, damaged shelters and limited heating access that raised urgent health and safety concerns as temperatures dropped further.
Emergency teams reported that many families were forced to relocate due to tents being flooded or collapsed by strong wind gusts, forcing them out. Humanitarian organisations shared videos showing people trying to reinforce their shelters with plastic sheets, wooden planks and sandbags to prevent further damage.
Local authorities noted that months of conflict had resulted in severed drainage systems across multiple regions, leaving low-lying districts particularly susceptible to flooding and sanitation and disease prevention challenges. Stagnant water accumulation also created additional obstacles.
Humanitarian groups working on the ground reported that the storm has created new obstacles for aid distribution. Access roads were temporarily blocked by debris and flooding, delaying delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential items to displaced families. Aid workers also warned that weather-related disruptions may worsen their already dire circumstances.
Medical teams reported cases of respiratory infections, hypothermia risks among children, and waterborne illnesses as people struggled to stay warm and dry in shelters that lacked insulation; heating options were further limited by fuel shortages; health workers noted the potential risk of disease transmission during cold weather due to overcrowded conditions.
Storm damage also hindered efforts to establish temporary shelters intended to house families fleeing recent conflict zones, with construction delays leaving several groups waiting for more secure living arrangements. Humanitarian officials said they prioritized vulnerable individuals such as children, elderly persons and people living with medical conditions as a priority for housing solutions.
International relief agencies expressed grave alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, calling for uninterrupted aid delivery access. Furthermore, several organisations noted how weather-related emergencies emphasize the urgent need for improved shelter materials, clothing and medical supplies to provide relief to affected populations.
Local volunteers have responded quickly to help families whose tents have been damaged, providing blankets, dry clothing and temporary support. Community organizations reported being overwhelmed by the increasing needs caused by this storm.
Meteorological forecasts predict that this storm system may continue to impact the region over the coming days, bringing more rain and low temperatures with it. Aid agencies have prepared emergency response plans in order to minimize further damage but caution that resources remain limited.
As the storm continues, conditions in Gaza’s displacement camps remain precarious. Humanitarian coordinators caution that without sufficient aid and shelter infrastructure improvements, weather-related emergencies pose ongoing threats to civilian populations throughout winter season.