Displaced People in Gaza Struggle Against Harsh Winter Conditions
As a low-pressure system sweeps through the Gaza Strip, displaced individuals are facing dire circumstances as their temporary shelters are battered by strong winds and rain. Hundreds of tents, which house families who have already suffered significant losses, are at risk of collapse, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The Palestinian Meteorological Department has issued warnings about the severe weather, predicting a sharp drop in temperatures and increased rainfall. Many displaced residents, like Aisha Al-Hamdiyat, a 70-year-old woman living in Deir Al-Balah camp, are struggling to keep their tents intact. Al-Hamdiyat, who is paralyzed and unable to seek alternative shelter, expressed her despair, stating, "The rain fell on me, and the storms drowned me. I have nothing to cover myself with. I am very cold and shivering."
The situation is similarly grim for families like that of Mohammed Khadra, a father of eight, who lamented the lack of basic necessities, saying, "Life here is tragic. We live near garbage, on sand, with no tarpaulin or money to strengthen the tent." Many families are left with no choice but to hold onto their tents during storms, fearing they will be uprooted by the wind.
Urgent Need for Assistance and Shelter
The Civil Defense Authority in Gaza has reported numerous incidents of tents being damaged and flooded due to the ongoing weather conditions. Mohammed Al-Maidana, the Director of Media and Public Relations at the authority, highlighted the vulnerability of displaced people living in low-lying areas, warning that flooding could lead to further devastation.
With no financial means to reinforce their tents, families are calling for urgent assistance from humanitarian organizations. Abdullah Shakhsa, a disabled individual displaced from Gaza City, described his plight, stating, "The situation is miserable and wintery, and we hope that charitable people will help us. We don't know where to go."
As the low-pressure system continues to pose a threat, the need for immediate support and shelter for the displaced population in Gaza has never been more critical. Residents are urged to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their makeshift homes from the harsh winter conditions.
