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A powerful sandstorm sweeping across Gaza has further worsened living conditions for displaced Palestinians already struggling amid a deep humanitarian crisis.
The storm, carrying dust and strong winds from North Africa, has battered makeshift camps where thousands remain sheltering in tents following two years of Israeli military operations that left widespread destruction across the enclave.
Palestinian meteorologist Lays al-Allami said in a statement on social media platform X that a large-scale sandstorm formed along the northern coasts of Libya and Egypt and was moving eastward toward Palestinian territories.
In a separate post on 12 February, Allami warned that strong winds from the deserts of northeastern Africa would affect southern and central areas, with gusts intensifying at times.
The Palestinian Meteorological Service also said winds originating from Africa could be strong in places, causing heavy dust and moderate sea conditions.
Storm Intensifies Suffering in Camps
The dusty and turbulent weather has made daily life even more difficult for families living in fragile tents that offer little protection against sand and wind.
Displaced residents, particularly those suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, fear the health impact of prolonged exposure to dust as strong gusts shake already damaged shelters.
According to the videos shared by activists on social media, powerful winds rattling tents and trees across parts of Gaza.
Despite a ceasefire in place since 10 October 2025, humanitarian conditions in the territory remain severe. Palestinians continue to face shortages of basic supplies and medical equipment, compounded by cold weather and recurring storms.
In December 2025, severe winter weather led to the collapse of buildings previously damaged during hostilities, resulting in casualties.
The latest sandstorm has added yet another layer of hardship for residents already coping with displacement and fragile living conditions.
Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), appointed as acting oil minister, according to Iranian state media.
Right-wing Brazilian Senator Flavio Bolsonaro will face leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a runoff of the presidential election later this month, after he exceeded expectations in Sunday's first-round vote with a slight lead over the incumbent.
Candidates elected to Bosnia and Herzegovina's three-member presidency declared victory after preliminary unofficial results showed Denis Becirovic leading the Bosniak seat, Darijana Filipovic ahead in the Croat seat and Zeljka Cvijanovic likely retaining the Serb seat.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions agreed under a June memorandum, as President Donald Trump signals he may soon decide whether to resume military operations against Tehran.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
Regional powers gathered in Moscow on Monday for talks on Afghanistan, focusing on security, economic cooperation and Kabul’s relations with its neighbours.
Four major German political foundations have halted their work in Georgia as tighter rules on foreign grants put pressure on a decades-old partnership and add to tensions between Tbilisi and its European partners.
The U.S. has deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to the Gulf, protecting key energy facilities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar as Washington expands its military presence in the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held talks in Tehran on Monday on bilateral ties and efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South Caucasus.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry says it has conveyed its initial position to the United States through Qatar over Washington’s response to Tehran’s seven-day plan aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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