A flash of light followed by the sound of an explosion was observed over Gaza early on Saturday, according to witnesses, as severe winter storms worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis in the territory.
The circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately clear.
The development comes as U.S. officials say international troops could be deployed to the Gaza Strip as early as next month as part of a United Nations-authorised stabilisation force aimed at addressing both security and humanitarian concerns. No formal decision has yet been announced by the UN.
At the same time, torrential rainfall since Thursday has flooded hundreds of tents sheltering families displaced by nearly two years of conflict, aid agencies and local officials said. The flooding has left thousands exposed to cold temperatures and at risk of further displacement. Municipal authorities and civil defence teams said fuel shortages, damaged equipment and limited resources were hampering response efforts and slowing rescue and relief operations.
Displaced residents described desperate conditions in overcrowded camps.
“All night long, the children and I were on our feet,” said Youssef Tawtah, a displaced Palestinian. “If I, an adult, can’t handle it, how can small children? None of us slept. Our food is ruined. We are helpless.”
The United Nations estimates that around 850,000 displaced people in Gaza are at high risk of flooding due to severe winter storms. According to UN agencies, at least three children have died from hypothermia, while 14 people were killed by collapsing structures caused by heavy rain and strong winds.
The UN said hundreds of thousands of tents have been damaged, leaving families exposed to cold and worsening living conditions. Rescue teams continue to assist affected communities, but shortages of equipment, fuel and shelter materials are significantly limiting their ability to respond.
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