Gaza: Severe winter conditions compound humanitarian crisis for displaced Palestinians
In Gaza, extreme weather conditions and flooding are pushing Palestinians to the limit in their daily struggle to survive.
Cold temperatures, heavy rain and strong winds pose new challenges to communities who have already been displaced multiple times and now see the tents they rely on for shelter torn apart, flooded or blown away.
“Our tents are flooded, the little ones are soaked, and our bedding is drenched,” says Gaza resident Wafaa Khodeir. “Where am I supposed to go when my house is destroyed? I have nowhere to go.”
Recent winter storms have caused widespread flooding in low-lying areas and displacement camps. For many, the nightmare is compounded by the collapse of buildings already weakened by hostilities.
With no alternative shelter available, many displaced families have moved into structurally unsound buildings, where downpours and high winds increase the risk of collapse, turning these spaces into life-threatening refuges rather than places of protection.
In Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, families are living in makeshift shelters that offer little dignity, privacy or protection against the harsh weather conditions.
“Every tent is like this,” says Nasra Abu Qainas. “Some families had their tent broken. My son’s tent collapsed on him while he was inside. It’s unbearable.”
Across Gaza, the ICRC continues to support communities access the water, food and medical care they need.
In Khan Younis, the ICRC has been supporting authorities in the repair and maintenance of a pumping station that will help improve sanitation for thousands of people living in tough conditions.
“This station sustained significant damage,” says engineer Muhammad Alian Abu Shaar.
“If the station ceases operation, as you can see, the surrounding areas are all low-lying, and will inevitably be flooded with sewage, not to mention rainwater.”
Tents are not enough to shelter Palestinians from exposure to a combination of cold, wind, rain and water-borne diseases that mark their experience of winter.
To help ensure the health and dignity of Palestinians in Gaza, the ICRC calls on Israel as the occupying power to allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance.
Anything less puts lives at risk. •
Source: https://www.icrcnewsroom.org/story/en/1145/gaza-severe-winter-conditions-compound-humanitarian-crisis-for-displaced-palestinians of 27 Januay 2026
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