The low-pressure system exacerbates the suffering of Gaza residents.. and the displaced face the bitter cold

The residents of the Gaza Strip have been severely affected by the low-pressure system that hit the sector, accompanied by a sharp drop in temperatures and heavy rainfall, which exacerbated an already existing humanitarian suffering due to the difficult living conditions.

The rains caused flooding in tents and damaged homes, especially in low-lying areas and shelters, forcing many families to spend cold nights without heating means.

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people suffer from a severe shortage of blankets and winter clothing, at a time when the cold poses a direct threat to children, the elderly, and the sick.

The strong winds also damaged temporary tents and caused water to seep inside them, increasing health concerns and the spread of diseases related to humidity and cold.

The low-pressure system also affects the fragile infrastructure, where water flooded some roads, and the electricity and sanitation crises worsened.

With the continuation of restrictions and lack of capabilities, municipalities and relief agencies find it difficult to respond quickly to the population's needs.

In light of these conditions, calls are renewed to intensify urgent humanitarian support and provide basic winter supplies to protect civilians in Gaza from the consequences of the harsh weather, which increases the difficulty of their daily reality and doubles their suffering.

Ahmed Al-Batta from Khan Yunis said that the low-pressure system brings back scenes of suffering that the sector witnessed in recent weeks, without any tangible change in the humanitarian reality.

He pointed out that the new tents and "caravans" stipulated to be introduced under the humanitarian protocol in the ceasefire agreement have not entered yet, despite being the most capable of facing rain and cold.

He explained that thousands of Palestinians who lost their homes not only need better tents, but also basic necessities for living, such as winter clothes, blankets, and bedding, amid a near-total loss of heating means. He noted that the current tents made of plastic materials or light fabrics provide no protection from the bitter cold.

He added that the risks are not limited to tent dwellers, as thousands of families live in destroyed or collapse-threatened homes, pointing to the collapse of dozens of buildings since the beginning of winter. He indicated that the continuation of Israeli violations and delays in implementing the agreement portend the continuation of these tragic scenes in the coming weeks.