Cold Snap and Flooding Claim Lives Amid Fuel Shortages
Heavy rains and plunging temperatures across Gaza this week have intensified what the UN calls one of 2025's most severe humanitarian emergencies. At least two deaths – including an eight-month-old infant – were reported as Storm Byron's torrential rains flooded makeshift shelters and collapsed infrastructure.
Families Battle Elements in Makeshift Camps
Over 2,500 emergency calls flooded Gaza's civil defense networks this week, with displaced families describing waist-high floodwaters invading tents. Health officials confirm critical shortages of heating fuel and functional water pumps, with remaining equipment damaged during recent conflicts.
Humanitarian Appeals Intensify
Local authorities emphasize that reconstruction efforts remain paralyzed by border restrictions on construction materials. The situation has reignited international calls for sustained humanitarian access through the Rafah crossing, with mediation efforts continuing through regional partners.
