Earlier this week, Storm Byron battered the Gaza Strip with torrential rainfall, strong winds and sharp drops in temperature, compounding the hardships faced by displaced Palestinians.
The downpour on Wednesday flooded makeshift tent camps across the territory, leaving thousands without adequate shelter or heating amid severe fuel shortages. Gaza’s health department reports that the combination of extreme cold and lack of resources has pushed families to the brink.
At least two people have lost their lives. Eight-month-old Rahaf Abu Jazar died of hypothermia after being admitted to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, hospital officials said. In the al-Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City, a man was killed when a rain-soaked wall collapsed during the storm.
Municipal and civil defense authorities received more than 2,500 emergency calls as crews struggled to respond. Much of the heavy equipment—bulldozers and water pumps—was destroyed in earlier Israeli strikes, and remaining vehicles are largely inoperative due to damaged parts and fuel shortages. Displaced residents are left to reinforce their tents and salvage what they can against the elements.
In a statement, Hamas called on mediators and guarantor states to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza freely and to reopen the Rafah crossing in both directions, in line with existing agreements. Aid groups warn that without immediate, unobstructed relief, the humanitarian fallout will worsen as winter sets in.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
