Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been displaced multiple times due to Israeli airstrikes, are now grappling with the challenges posed by the arrival of harsh winter weather. The first strong storm of the winter hit Gaza on Sunday, affecting all parts of the enclave.
In a makeshift displacement camp near the sea in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, families are struggling to cope with high tides, heavy winds, and rainfall that have damaged their nylon and plastic tents. Children were seen walking barefoot while parents attempted to build protective barriers from the sea, only to have their efforts washed away by the tide.
The flimsy wooden poles supporting the tents, barely anchored to the ground, shook with every gust of wind, causing distress among families fearing their collapse. The dire situation has been exacerbated by the lack of adequate resources, with the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warning that Gaza residents are in urgent need of assistance.
As winter sets in, the people of Gaza face the prospect of not only succumbing to airstrikes, diseases, and hunger but also to the cold weather, particularly the most vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The amount of aid entering Gaza hit a record low in October, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for approving aid shipments into Gaza, has stated that it is working with the international community to facilitate the entry of winter supplies and shelter equipment, including heaters, warm clothing, tents, and blankets. However, the challenges faced by Palestinians in Gaza remain immense as they struggle to survive amidst the harsh winter conditions.
