Gaza's Displaced Face Deadly Winter in Makeshift Camps

Hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Gaza are facing a severe and deadly winter, with inadequate shelter, freezing temperatures, and heavy rains creating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The situation, described by aid officials as "man-made," is claiming lives and deepening the suffering of a population already enduring extreme hardship.

A recent cold snap has killed at least 25 people, including six children, according to local Civil Defense officials [36986]. Many more are at risk as families huddle in flimsy tents and makeshift shelters that offer little protection from the elements. Children are reportedly dying from hypothermia, drowning in flooded camps, and in tent fires as they seek warmth [40059].

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), warned that 235,000 people are affected, living "amid collapsing ruins" with no proper housing [37007]. The United Nations has repeatedly stated that winter conditions will severely worsen the crisis for displaced families, increasing health risks in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions [23231].

The crisis is compounded by the widespread destruction of infrastructure. More than 80% of Gaza's infrastructure is in ruins, with critical drainage and sanitation systems destroyed. This turns rainfall into a major threat, flooding tents and spreading disease [18207]. "I am as afraid of the rain as I was of the war," one displaced resident told aid groups [18207].

Aid agencies are calling for an immediate and unrestricted flow of humanitarian supplies, including proper shelter materials, blankets, warm clothing, and fuel [23231][5511]. However, the response is facing new obstacles. Israel has ordered 37 international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including major groups like Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders, to leave Gaza by March 1, citing new operational requirements [40059]. This threatens to further cripple relief efforts for 1.6 million people facing severe hunger [40059].

Without a significant increase in aid and shelter, international officials warn that the already dire situation will continue to escalate, leading to more preventable deaths [5511].