Winter in Gaza: Rain and Deadly Frost Plague the Displaced

With the first rains of winter, displaced residents of Gaza are once again exposed to harsh weather conditions.

At least 300,000 homes, and possibly more than 400,000, have been destroyed or damaged by occupation bombing, leaving nearly two million people homeless. Access to new tents and essential winter supplies is strictly limited, forcing residents to face the cold and damp after two years of destruction, famine, and forced displacement.

In this context, the deadly frost and rain do not mean life, but the beginning of a new series of sufferings for those who no longer have safe shelter.

Rain, a “curse”

The streets become muddy rivers, houses and tents are flooded, and cold nights accentuate the suffering.

The tents in the camps for displaced persons are often made of worn fabric, unable to protect against the elements. The lack of electricity, drinking water, and adequate sanitation facilities exacerbates the situation.

In the most affected camps, families are crammed into very small spaces, with no privacy or security. Mud seeps into the tents, soaking the limited blankets and mattresses. For many, sleep becomes a rare luxury.

Youssef, a father of four, says: “When water flooded our tent, soaking our mattresses, blankets, and food, I had no choice but to leave.”

Hassan, 68, a resident of Al-Nour camp, also recounts his experience. “I didn’t expect a simple rainy night to become one of the hardest nights of my life. When the water started seeping into my tent, I couldn’t get up. Soon, the tent was submerged: first the mattresses, then the blankets, and finally the water reached my feet, which were numb from the cold.

“I tried to reach for my cane to get up, but I couldn’t. Fortunately, some young people from the camp helped me out, and we found refuge with other displaced people in a nearby school.

“I am old and sick, but what breaks my heart the most is that we have come to fear the rain, which was supposed to be a blessing but has become a real curse.”

Sarah’s family is raising money to leave Gaza. You can donate here.

Cold weather threatens health

Displaced people also face multiple health risks as temperatures drop.

Children are particularly vulnerable to respiratory and lung diseases, while the elderly and those with chronic illnesses see their condition deteriorate due to the intense cold and lack of heating.

Storms and high winds exacerbate their feelings of fear and instability, making every day and every night a real challenge for survival.

***

Every year, with the first rains and the winter cold, Gaza reminds us of its fragility and the vulnerability of its inhabitants.

Displaced families continue to struggle to survive in precarious conditions, while hopes for a safer winter remain suspended on limited humanitarian efforts and the absence of sustainable solutions.

If the rain itself has become a threat to the lives of thousands of families, how much longer can we turn a blind eye to their suffering?

Did you like this article? Share it with a friend!