Gaza: The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported that harsh weather conditions have exacerbated the suffering of Palestinians in the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip.

According to Anadolu Agency, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated on Thursday via the US social media platform X that people in Gaza, who have already lost everything, are now facing an additional layer of misery. Storm Byron, a potent weather system impacting several regions, including Gaza, has intensified the hardships for displaced families. These families, residing in makeshift shelters, are now dealing with flooding, damage, and new health threats as a result of the storm's heavy rains.

UNRWA teams are actively working on the ground to mitigate the storm's impacts. They are providing essential shelter materials and medical care, as well as managing the removal of sewage and floodwater. Additionally, they are clearing debris and distributing tarpaulins to help affected families.

Since Wednesday, the storm has transformed thousands of tents, which serve as temporary housing for survivors of Israeli military actions, into pools of water. The flooding has drenched bedding, clothing, and food supplies, leaving hundreds of Palestinian families vulnerable to the cold without adequate warmth or shelter.

The Gaza Strip is in urgent need of approximately 300,000 tents and prefabricated housing units to address the basic shelter requirements of Palestinians after the extensive destruction caused by two years of Israeli military operations.

The conflict has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 171,000 injuries in Gaza since October 2023. The hostilities ceased following a ceasefire agreement that was implemented two months ago.