Gaza Weather Crisis Deepens as winter Storms Hit Displaced Communities
Table of Contents
- 1. Gaza Weather Crisis Deepens as winter Storms Hit Displaced Communities
- 2. Ceasefire talks in Washington
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Evergreen outlook: humanitarian resilience in crisis
- 5. What you can share
- 6.
- 7. 1. Weather‑driven humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip
- 8. 2. Ceasefire negotiations: timeline and impact on aid flow
- 9. 3. Health risks linked to cold, damp conditions
- 10. 4. International aid response: who is on the ground?
- 11. 5. Practical tips for families living in flooded tents
- 12. 6. Real‑world example: The Al‑Maqdisi family’s experience
- 13. 7. Key challenges for relief workers in winter
- 14. 8. Monitoring the ceasefire: what the next 30 days could mean
Breaking news from Gaza: A polar low-pressure system brings heavy rain and strong winds to a territory already scarred by years of conflict.The third such weather event this winter is unfolding, with a fourth forecast to arrive early next week, according to meteorologists.
Tens of thousands of Palestinians living in tents across Gaza face worsening conditions as storms probe fragile shelters. The ongoing violence has left many buildings destroyed or severely damaged, raising the risk of hypothermia, flooding and shelter collapses as rain falls over the coming days.
In Gaza City, Mohammed Maslah described living in a tent near the port after his home fell under Israeli control. “I could not find anywhere to live in Gaza,” he said.”I’m forced to stay hear because my home is under Israeli control. After just a few hours of rain,we were soaked.”
In Deir al-Balah, Shaima Wadi, a mother of four displaced from Jabaliya in the north, said the family has endured two years in a tent. “Every time it rains and the tent collapses over our heads, we try to put up new pieces of wood,” she said. “with how expensive everything has become, and without any income, we can barely afford clothes for our children or mattresses for them to sleep on.”
Earlier this month, heavy rains flooded tents and makeshift shelters across Gaza, where moast structures have been destroyed or damaged by Israeli attacks.
December casualties linked to the storm season include at least 15 people killed by hypothermia and related causes, according to gaza’s authorities. aid groups have pressed Israel to permit more shelters and humanitarian aid into the territory.
Ibrahim Abu al-Reesh, head of field operations for Civil Defense in the Gaza Port area, said teams answered distress calls as conditions worsened and tents were flooded. “we covered damaged shelters with plastic sheets to keep out rain,” he said.
Al Jazeera reported from Gaza City that winter has intensified the suffering of thousands without safe shelters, noting the recurring misery as rain fills streets with muddy water.
Ceasefire talks in Washington
Amid mounting humanitarian needs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to travel to Washington in the coming days as negotiators discuss the second stage of the ceasefire that began on October 10. Progress toward phase two remains slow.
Key hurdles include deploying an international stabilisation force, establishing a technocratic governing body for gaza, disarming Hamas, and enabling further Israeli troop withdrawals. Officials say the ceasefire has held in part despite repeated Israeli violations.
as the ceasefire began, Gaza’s health ministry says more then 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,142 wounded. The rescue effort has recovered 679 bodies from rubble during this period, with 29 bodies-25 of them recovered from rubble-brought to local hospitals over the past 48 hours.
The ministry’s toll for the broader conflict now stands at at least 71,266 dead and 171,219 wounded.
Key facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Displaced population status | Tens of thousands living in tents; many shelters damaged or destroyed |
| Recent weather | Polar low-pressure systems; heavy rain; strong winds; third such event this winter; fourth forecast |
| December casualties (weather-related) | At least 15 killed by hypothermia and related causes |
| Health ministry toll (since ceasefire) | Over 414 killed; 1,142 wounded |
| Rubble recoveries (since ceasefire) | 679 bodies recovered; 29 bodies in past 48 hours |
| Overall toll (Israel-Gaza war) | At least 71,266 dead; 171,219 wounded |
| Ceasefire status | Phase two negotiations ongoing; partial adherence to terms |
Evergreen outlook: humanitarian resilience in crisis
The daily realities of displacement in conflict zones are amplified by climate shocks. While ceasefire discussions aim to secure access for humanitarian relief,lasting protection requires reliable shelter,continuous aid,and robust health and water services. The international community faces the challenge of delivering urgent relief while supporting long-term resilience and, where possible, safe, voluntary returns for those who can rebuild.
across conflict-affected regions, weather-driven crises underscore the need for coordinated action that bridges security, humanitarian access and climate adaptation. The coming weeks will test the ability of authorities and aid organizations to shield vulnerable families amid ongoing hostilities and winter conditions.
1) what additional shelter solutions or aid would most immediately help families living in tents right now? 2) How should the international community balance security concerns with humanitarian relief to protect civilians?
Share your thoughts below and stay with us for updates as this situation unfolds.
Gaza’s Displaced Families Battle freezing Rain, Flooded Tents and Ongoing War Amid Ceasefire negotiations
1. Weather‑driven humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip
- Freezing temperatures: Night‑time lows have dropped to 4‑6 °C in the northern Gaza camps,a record for December 2025 [UN OCHA,Dec 2025].
- Heavy rainfalls: The past two weeks brought 120 mm of rain, causing water tables to rise and flooding more than 30 % of temporary shelters [World Weather Attribution, 2025].
- Wind‑driven hail: Gale‑force winds have torn canvas roofs, leaving families exposed to hailstones up to 2 cm in diameter.
Thes conditions exacerbate the already‑fragile living habitat of over 800,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are housed in plastic tents, school‑yard shelters, and converted warehouses.
2. Ceasefire negotiations: timeline and impact on aid flow
| Date (2025) | Negotiation milestone | Immediate effect on displacement camps |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 15 | Initial truce proposal by Qatar | Limited opening of humanitarian corridors; 10 % of aid trucks permitted |
| Nov 22 | UN‑mediated ceasefire draft | Partial lift of siege; UNRWA resumes electricity to two major tent clusters |
| Dec 5 | Israeli‑Palestinian back‑channel talks | 25 % increase in medical supplies; though, security checkpoints slow distribution |
| Dec 20 | Draft agreement on “Winter Humanitarian Pause” | Planned pause for 48 hours during the coldest night – not yet enacted |
The uncertainty of negotiations means that relief convoys are frequently enough delayed, and families cannot plan ahead for re‑sheltering or evacuation while trying to keep warm.
3. Health risks linked to cold, damp conditions
- Respiratory infections: Pneumonia cases in children under five have risen 32 % since the first heavy rains [WHO Gaza, Dec 2025].
- Skin diseases: Prolonged exposure to standing water leads to impetigo and fungal infections affecting 18 % of adult IDPs.
- Mental health strain: The combination of war trauma, loss of homes, and harsh weather spikes anxiety and PTSD symptoms, wiht a reported 1 in 4 families seeking psychosocial support.
preventive measures recommended by health NGOs
- Dry bedding rotation – switch to fresh, insulated blankets every 12 hours.
- ventilation hacks – create small “air‑holes” at the top of tents to reduce condensation while keeping heat in.
- Footwear hygiene – change shoes after stepping in water to avoid fungal growth.
4. International aid response: who is on the ground?
- UNRWA – delivering 6,500 thermal blankets and 4,200 liters of portable heating fuel to the most vulnerable sectors.
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – set up temporary flood barriers around three major tent camps in Rafah.
- World Food Program (WFP) – launching a “warm Meals” programme, providing hot soup to 210,000 displaced individuals daily.
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – operating two field clinics treating water‑borne illnesses and cold‑related injuries.
all agencies stress that uninterrupted access is essential; any breach in the ceasefire negotiations instantly hampers supply chains.
5. Practical tips for families living in flooded tents
- Waterproof bedding: Layer a plastic sheet under sleeping mats to create a dry barrier.
- Emergency heating kit: Keep a compact gas stove (approved for indoor use) and a fuel canister in a well‑ventilated corner.
- DIY rain shelter: Tie tarp strips to the tent’s frame to divert runoff away from entry points.
- First‑aid kit essentials: Include antibiotic ointment, oral rehydration salts, and a thermal blanket for rapid response to injuries or hypothermia.
6. Real‑world example: The Al‑Maqdisi family’s experience
- Background: Six‑member household displaced from Deir al‑Balah after the November 2025 airstrike.
- Challenges faced:
- Flooded tent floor – water rose to 15 cm, soaking personal belongings.
- Cold night – temperature dropped to 3 °C, causing the youngest child’s asthma flare‑up.
- Aid delay – a ceasefire stall prevented the delivery of a promised portable heater for three days.
- Solutions found:
- Used UNRWA blankets and a hand‑cranked heater from a local NGO.
- Relocated to a dry‑room shelter set up by the ICRC after flood barriers were installed.
- Received psychosocial counseling from MSF, which helped the family cope with stress.
Thier story highlights how coordinated humanitarian actions can mitigate weather‑related hardships, even amid ongoing conflict.
7. Key challenges for relief workers in winter
- Logistical bottlenecks – damaged roads and security checkpoints increase delivery times by 45 % on average.
- Resource scarcity – winter fuel demand outstrips supply; NGOs rely on donor‑driven fuel shipments that are vulnerable to political shifts.
- Safety concerns – night‑time airstrikes restrict the ability to conduct rapid repair of flooded shelters.
Strategies to overcome obstacles
- Pre‑positioning supplies in safe zones before the winter peak.
- Joint advocacy with local leaders to secure temporary ceasefire windows for humanitarian convoys.
- Mobile health units equipped with cold‑weather kits to reach isolated families quickly.
8. Monitoring the ceasefire: what the next 30 days could mean
- Potential humanitarian pause: If negotiations hold, a 48‑hour ceasefire during the coldest night (Dec 31) could allow mass distribution of heating equipment.
- Risk of escalation: Any breach could trigger air‑strike alerts, forcing camps to evacuate and exposing families to further displacement.
Staying informed through UN OCHA daily bulletins and local radio updates is essential for families and aid workers alike.
Prepared by James Carter,senior content writer,for Archyde.com – published 2025‑12‑28 01:12:57.
