Heavy rains across the Gaza Strip have severely worsened the already dire humanitarian situation for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, United Nations agencies have warned. The intense downpours have led to widespread flooding, damaging tents and makeshift shelters, and raising grave concerns for the health and safety of vulnerable populations.

UNICEF described the recent overnight weather as “horrendous,” with water levels reaching up to 15 centimeters (6 inches) in some areas. Officials are particularly concerned about children, many of whom are living in damp clothing within tents and temporary structures. The risk of hypothermia and other illnesses is escalating as temperatures drop, posing a significant threat to their well-being.

The Gaza health ministry reported that at least one baby has died from hypothermia, with 11 other individuals losing their lives due to building collapses exacerbated by the severe weather. The war-damaged infrastructure in Gaza makes many structures highly susceptible to collapse, even under moderate wind and rain conditions.

Despite increased efforts by UN agencies to deliver essential aid, including tents, blankets, and clothing, since the Gaza ceasefire began nine weeks ago, the scale of need remains immense. An estimated 55,000 families have had their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed by the recent rains, with many forced to relocate multiple times.

More than 40 designated emergency shelters experienced severe flooding following intense downpours earlier this week, forcing further displacement. Jonathan Crickx, UNICEF’s chief of communications for the State of Palestine, highlighted the difficult conditions, noting that many families have been displaced numerous times and lack adequate changes of clothing, making it a constant struggle to stay dry and warm.

The makeshift shelters, often constructed from tarpaulin or plastic sheeting attached to fragile wooden frames, are vulnerable to strong winds. These structures are at high risk of being blown away or destroyed, leaving families with virtually no protection against the elements. UNICEF has distributed significant winter aid, but the ongoing needs far outstrip available resources.

Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesman for the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, indicated a higher death toll, stating that 17 people, including four children, have died as a direct result of building collapses and the cold weather. Reports indicate that 17 residential buildings have completely collapsed, with another 90 suffering partial damage, underscoring the precarious state of Gaza’s infrastructure.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has echoed these concerns, calling for increased and sustained humanitarian assistance to address both immediate needs and long-term reconstruction efforts. This includes vital supplies such as food, shelter, and equipment necessary for repairing critical infrastructure that has been heavily impacted by years of conflict and recent extreme weather.

COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for overseeing Gaza’s border crossings, has disputed claims of deliberate aid restrictions, asserting that a significant volume of humanitarian supplies enters Gaza daily. They state that hundreds of lorries carrying humanitarian aid, tents, tarpaulins, blankets, and clothing have been delivered since the ceasefire began.

The ongoing situation highlights the precarious living conditions faced by Gazans, particularly those who have been repeatedly displaced. The combination of conflict, destruction, and now severe weather events creates a humanitarian crisis that demands urgent international attention and support for both immediate relief and future reconstruction.

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Keywords: Gaza floods, displaced Gazans, humanitarian crisis, UN warning, heavy rains, children's health, building collapse, aid delivery, shelter damage, extreme weather