Heavy winter rains and plunging temperatures have worsened conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza, where restrictions are blocking deliveries of tents and other vital shelter supplies. The UN reports more than 198,000 structures damaged or destroyed and says UNRWA has materials for up to 1.3 million people but cannot deliver them. Aid groups warn roughly 260,000 families—nearly 1.5 million people—are especially vulnerable as cold weather sets in.
Winter rains flood Gaza tents as Israel restricts delivery of critical shelter supplies
Heavy winter rains and plunging temperatures have worsened conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza, where restrictions are blocking deliveries of tents and other vital shelter supplies. The UN reports more than 198,000 structures damaged or destroyed and says UNRWA has materials for up to 1.3 million people but cannot deliver them. Aid groups warn roughly 260,000 families—nearly 1.5 million people—are especially vulnerable as cold weather sets in.
04:55 AM, 11/16/2025Conflict
Winter rains worsen humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Cold temperatures and heavy rainfall have compounded already dire conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, as restrictions continue to impede deliveries of tents, mattresses and other essential shelter supplies.
Humanitarian organisations have warned for weeks that families living in tent encampments and makeshift shelters lack the basics to withstand Gaza's winter. Many have been displaced repeatedly during more than two years of fighting; the United Nations says more than 198,000 structures across the enclave were damaged or destroyed.
“I have been crying since morning,” a displaced mother of two told Al Jazeera from Gaza City, pointing to her flooded tent after overnight rain. She said several relatives, including her husband, were killed in the fighting that began in October 2023 and described struggling to provide for her children.
“I am asking for help to get a proper tent, a mattress and a blanket. I want my children to have suitable clothes. I don’t have anyone to turn to… There is no one to help me.”
The UN and other aid agencies have repeatedly urged Israeli authorities to lift restrictions on humanitarian assistance to the Strip. Aid groups estimate about 260,000 Palestinian families—nearly 1.5 million people—are particularly vulnerable as colder weather sets in.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, says it has enough shelter supplies to assist up to 1.3 million people but has been unable to move those materials into Gaza because of the limitations on aid movement. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warned that deliveries are urgently needed as winter coincides with Gaza's ongoing displacement crisis.
“It’s cold and wet in Gaza. Displaced people are now facing a harsh winter without the basics to protect them from the rain and cold,” Lazzarini said, describing the situation as “misery on top of misery” and noting that fragile shelters quickly flood, soaking people’s belongings.
Reporting from az-Zuwayda in central Gaza, Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary said many people have no option but to remain in flooded and flimsy tents because their neighbourhoods were destroyed and official shelters are already full. Parents are often unable to afford warm clothes, shoes or basic winter items for their children.
Security incidents were also reported: late on Saturday, sources in southern Gaza told Al Jazeera that the Israeli military fired flares southeast of Khan Younis, and earlier air strikes were reported inside areas near the ceasefire’s “yellow line” demarcation by Khan Younis and near Gaza City.
Humanitarian agencies are calling for unfettered access for lifesaving shelter items and winter supplies to prevent further suffering and protect displaced families from the cold and wet conditions.