Deadly Winter Storms Ravage Gaza, Claiming Lives and Toppling Buildings
A severe winter storm has wreaked devastation across Gaza, resulting in the death of at least eight people and causing further damage to buildings already weakened by war. The lethal combination of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and torrential rains has left the region's population, inadequately sheltered in tents and makeshift camps, battling to survive.
Background and Context
According to Al Jazeera English, the Civil Defence has warned of catastrophic repercussions from the storm for Gaza’s population, who lack adequate shelter. As reported by Middle East Eye, at least 31 Palestinians have died from harsh weather conditions since the start of the winter season. The Palestinian health ministry confirmed that a one-year-old child died from exposure, contributing to the seven child fatalities this winter.
Key Developments
The Times of Israel and Sky News World reported that howling winds caused walls to crash down on Gaza tent camps, resulting in four deaths. The Guardian also confirmed the deaths of four displaced Palestinians when strong winds caused walls to collapse onto their tents, and a one-year-old boy died of hypothermia.
The extreme cold and deadly winds have also caused a significant amount of structural damage. Al Jazeera English and CBC News reported that heavy rain flooded tents and collapsed homes sheltering displaced Gazan families, killing at least six people.
Implications and Reactions
The severe winter conditions have exacerbated the already desperate living conditions in Gaza, caused by more than two years of devastating Israeli bombardment and aid shortfalls. Although a ceasefire has been in effect since October, aid groups claim that Palestinians broadly lack the shelter necessary to withstand frequent winter storms.
The deteriorating conditions have left Palestinian families facing what Al Jazeera English describes as psychological torture
, with many unsure about the fate of their relatives. According to Ukrinform, Russian forces have reportedly damaged or destroyed over 12,000 residential buildings in the Dnipropetrovsk region since the start of their invasion.
Conclusion
As the winter storms continue to batter Gaza, the death toll is expected to rise, and the situation remains dire for the region's population, who are left to shelter in flimsy tents amid the freezing conditions. Despite the ceasefire, the devastating conditions persist, with Palestinians lacking the necessary shelter to withstand the relentless winter storms.