Severe winter storms and plummeting temperatures have intensified the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where at least five people have died amid extreme cold and collapsing structures, local medical and civil defense officials reported. The deaths occurred as a low-pressure storm system brought heavy rain, strong winds and freezing weather to an already devastated territory, where many residents live in flimsy tents or war-damaged buildings lacking basic shelter.
Local health authorities said a one-year-old boy died from hypothermia in a tent in Deir al-Balah, while multiple people were killed when weakened walls and partially destroyed buildings fell on displaced families seeking refuge. Civil defense representatives warned that numerous structures damaged by previous conflict are no longer safe, increasing the risk of further collapses as the storm continues.
Humanitarian groups emphasize that Gaza’s displaced population — many of whom have lived in temporary shelters since major hostilities ended — remains acutely vulnerable due to shortages of adequate shelter, heating, blankets and winter supplies. Children and the elderly are among the most at risk, as inadequate housing offers little protection against freezing conditions and flooding. Aid agencies and local officials have repeatedly called for an urgent influx of winter relief and reconstruction materials to prevent more deaths.
This deadly combination of weather and infrastructure collapse highlights the ongoing challenges facing civilians in Gaza’s harsh winter — news as reported.
