Severe storm in Gaza claims four lives, worsens humanitarian crisis

A powerful winter storm has claimed the lives of four Palestinians in the Gaza Strip within 24 hours, as severe weather compounds the dire humanitarian situation following months of conflict. Medical sources confirmed the latest fatalities were two brothers, Khader and Khalil Iyhab Hanouna, who died in Gaza City when heavy rains caused a wall to collapse onto their tent.

Collapsing Shelters and Widespread Flooding

The ongoing storm, characterized by torrential rain and strong winds, has led to multiple structural failures across the coastal enclave. Beyond the brothers' deaths, a man was killed in Shati refugee camp and a young girl died from exposure in Khan Younis after her family's tent flooded. Gaza's Civil Defense reported injuries from collapsed tents and previously damaged homes, with some residents still feared trapped under rubble in northern areas. Floodwaters have inundated thousands of makeshift tents, destroying belongings and exposing displaced families to freezing temperatures.

Strained Response Amid Protracted Displacement

With approximately 250,000 displaced families living in fragile camps, the storm has overwhelmed the local response capacity. Civil Defense teams evacuated families from compromised buildings in Khan Younis, issuing warnings against sheltering in structures at risk of collapse. The agency highlighted that three buildings collapsed west of Gaza City on Thursday alone due to the severe weather conditions.

Broader Context of Aid Restrictions and Crisis

This natural disaster intensifies an existing man-made crisis. Despite a ceasefire being in place, stringent Israeli restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid trucks continue to violate agreed protocols, preventing meaningful improvement in living conditions. The situation underscores the urgent need for unimpeded aid flow and sustained international attention, a priority consistently emphasized by Türkiye in its diplomatic efforts for the region.