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.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivit...
A series of statements by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has reignited debate over freedom of speech, the role of the Orthodox Church,...
A significant development in the complex Azerbaijan - Armenia scenario is the growing confrontation between Armenia’s political leadership and the A...
The 240-megawatt Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant has been inaugurated in Azerbaijan on Thursday (8 Jan) by President Illham Aliyev, who described the ...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that the text of a bilateral security guarantee between Kyiv and Washington is "essentially...
Türkiye says it's prepared a self-sustaining international stabilisation force for Gaza and has already begun training, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said, reiterating Ankara’s readiness to deploy troops to support humanitarian efforts and help end the fighting.
U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce the creation of a Gaza “Board of Peace” next week as part of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, according to reports.
President Ilham Aliyev has said Azerbaijan is not considering participation in any combat or peace enforcement mission in the Gaza Strip, stressing that any discussion of involvement depends on a clearly defined international mandate, the nature of the mission, and the consent of all parties.
Israeli air strikes in Gaza and Lebanon have raised fresh concerns about the durability of ceasefire agreements, after deadly attacks were reported in both territories.
Snow and ice stalled travellers in northwest Europe on Wednesday, forcing around a thousand to spend the night in Amsterdam's Schiphol airport but delighting others who set out to explore a snow-blanketed Paris on sledges and skis.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT) sources reported a significant movement of U.S. military aircraft towards the Middle East in recent hours. Dozens of U.S. Air Force aerial refuelling tankers and heavy transport aircraft were observed heading eastwards, presumably to staging points in the region.
Diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated as Japan slams China's export ban on dual-use goods. Markets have wobbled as fears grow over a potential rare earth embargo affecting global supply chains.
Two people have been killed after a private helicopter crashed at a recreation centre in Russia’s Perm region, Russian authorities and local media have said.
Iran’s chief justice has warned protesters there will be “no leniency for those who help the enemy against the Islamic Republic”, as rights groups reported a rising death toll during what observers describe as the country’s biggest wave of unrest in three years.
Iran is now facing a near‑total internet blackout as anti-government protests sweep the country. Major cities including Tehran have seen connectivity drop sharply, leaving millions of residents isolated from online communication.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday that the text of a bilateral security guarantee between Kyiv and Washington is "essentially ready" to be finalised with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Iran’s Commander-in-Chief of Army, Major General Amir Hatami has warned against hostile rhetoric from U.S. and Israeli officials. “Iran considers the intensification of the enemies' rhetoric against the Iranian nation as a threat and will not leave its continuation unanswered,” Hatami said.
Türkiye says it's prepared a self-sustaining international stabilisation force for Gaza and has already begun training, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said, reiterating Ankara’s readiness to deploy troops to support humanitarian efforts and help end the fighting.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed reports that Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s toppled leader, was previously offered asylum in Türkiye.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment