A fresh humanitarian emergency is unfolding across the Gaza Strip as torrential winter rains batter fragile encampments, leaving thousands of civilians vulnerable just months after the October ceasefire.
Extreme weather is exacerbating the suffering of the displaced population, while the region attempts to recover from the conflict.The International Civil Defence Organization confirmed on Tuesday that one Palestinian man was killed and several others injured when a residential building, already weakened by previous bombardments, partially collapsed under the weight of heavy downpours.
They say the arrival of severe winter weather has exposed the fragility of Gaza’s decimated infrastructure as thousands of makeshift tents housing displaced families have been flooded or completely destroyed by gale-force winds.
Officials also say that the crisis extends to critical health facilities. Operations at Al-Shifa Hospital—the strip’s largest medical complex, have faced major disruptions due to flooding, further hindering the ability of medics to treat patients.
Local authorities have issued urgent warnings that thousands of residential buildings, left structurally unsound by Israeli airstrikes during the war, are now at imminent risk of collapse. Officials describe a scene of widespread devastation, with sewage systems overflowing into flooded streets, creating a severe public health hazard.
Pattern of destruction
A lethal weather system struck the Strip last week, claiming at least 14 lives and destroying temporary shelters that have become permanent homes for many. Data indicates that more than 53,000 tents were damaged or destroyed in that single event, alongside the collapse of 13 buildings.
Currently, nearly 250,000 families remain in precarious displacement camps according to agencies. Aid workers report that these families are facing freezing temperatures without adequate heating, proper clothing, or dry shelter.
Aid standoff
Despite the urgent need for reinforcement materials, temporary housing units, and repair equipment, the flow of international assistance remains a point of contention.
The International Civil Defence Organisation notes that access to humanitarian aid continues to be heavily restricted, despite the cessation of hostilities agreed upon in October. The United Nations and various international NGOs have warned that relief efforts are on the brink of failure. They point to significant bureaucratic hurdles, specifically accusing Israeli authorities of enforcing a "vague and politicised" registration process for international aid organisations that delays the delivery of essential supplies.
Israeli officials maintain that they are fully complying with the terms of the ceasefire agreement and that security protocols remain necessary.
Local officials are calling for immediate international intervention to facilitate the entry of machinery and materials needed to repair essential services before the death toll rises further.
Four people have sustained varying degrees of injuries after two drones fell near Dubai's International Airport on Wednesday, as Iran and Israe...
The annual al-Quds Day march in London, set to take place on Sunday, has been banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following warnings from the ...
Georgia has cancelled international tenders for the construction of major road sections that form part of a regional highway linking the country wi...
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reporte...
A 35-year-old woman was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday (10 March) after allegedly firing a semi-automati...
Israeli strikes killed five people in Gaza on Thursday (26 February), according to health officials in the territory. The Israeli military said separately that it had killed a militant who posed an imminent threat to its forces in southern Gaza.
A group of sick and injured Palestinians and their caregivers left Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Wednesday (25 February) for medical treatment abroad, as limited evacuations continue under tight restrictions.
The United States and international partners have announced billions of dollars in pledges to rebuild Gaza but many Palestinians remain sceptical about whether the funds will translate into tangible improvements for daily life.
Uzbekistan's president Shavkat Mirziyoyev has held a series of high-level meetings in the U.S. aimed at strengthening bilateral economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Almost 2,000 people have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan since conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Norwegian police are searching for a suspect after an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Oslo on 8 March caused minor damage but no injuries, in what authorities say may have been a deliberate attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
Global oil prices reached a four year high on Monday (9 March), surpassing $119 a barrel, as conflict in the Middle East rumbled on. Meanwhile, the Turkish Military said NATO air defence systems destroyed a missile fired from Iran towards the country.
The annual al-Quds Day march in London, set to take place on Sunday, has been banned by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood following warnings from the Metropolitan Police about the risk of "serious public disorder".
The first batch of Peter Mandelson’s papers on his 2024 ambassadorial appointment is set to be published on Wednesday, following a parliamentary order. The release comes amid police investigations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Four people have sustained varying degrees of injuries after two drones fell near Dubai's International Airport on Wednesday, as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment