Storm Deepens Gaza’s Humanitarian Catastrophe

(MENAFN) Gaza’s authorities reported on Saturday that an intense polar low-pressure weather system that battered the territory over recent days resulted in the deaths of 11 Palestinians and inflicted nearly $4 million in direct losses, further worsening an already dire humanitarian situation stemming from a two-year Israeli genocide.

In an official announcement, the Gaza Media Office explained that the severe weather caused several structures—previously weakened by Israeli strikes—to collapse.

Civil Defense crews retrieved the remains of 11 people and were still searching for at least one individual believed to be missing.

According to the office, no fewer than 13 residential buildings fell across the enclave, all of which had sustained damage earlier in the conflict. The storm also washed away or inundated more than 27,000 tents, while the total affected area included over 53,000 tents that were either completely destroyed or partially harmed.

The devastation directly impacted more than 250,000 displaced Palestinians, from an estimated 1.5 million individuals currently residing in tents and improvised shelters that provide minimal defense against rain, strong winds, or low temperatures, the statement noted.

It further reported that runoff water flooded and impaired sewage systems, submerged entrances to schools and educational facilities being used as shelters, and ruined service equipment inside those locations.

Provisional water pipelines were also damaged, leading to the mixing of potable water with rainwater and mud, thereby heightening the risk of contamination.

The statement added that many temporary medical points within displacement centers suffered damage, resulting in the loss of medications, medical materials, and first-aid tools, while healthcare teams faced serious difficulties reaching the worst-hit areas.

MENAFN14122025000045017167ID1110477288