Gaza: A polar low-pressure system accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, adding to the suffering of Palestinians living in flimsy tents and overcrowded shelters that lack basic living conditions.
According to Anadolu Agency, this system marks the third polar low to affect the Palestinian territories this winter. It began on Saturday afternoon and is expected to continue until Sunday evening. Meteorologist Laith al-Allami reported that a fourth low-pressure system is forecast to hit the area starting Monday. Although the current system is expected to intensify, rainfall totals will likely be lower than those recorded during the last storm that hit Gaza about two weeks ago.
The storm is accompanied by strong wind gusts ranging from 70 to 80 kilometers per hour, with heavy rainfall at times and hail in some areas. Temperatures are expected to drop to around 10 degrees Celsius during the evening, exacerbating the challenges faced by displaced people.
Allami warned that the storm could significantly worsen humanitarian conditions, with potential water pooling and flash flooding threatening displacement camps. The strong winds pose an added risk to structures already weakened by past Israeli bombardments. He urged residents to secure tents, dig drainage channels, and add insulating layers to retain warmth. Additionally, people are advised to raise belongings off the ground, sleep in elevated areas, and wear multiple layers of clothing to stay warm.
Since severe weather systems began affecting Gaza in December, 17 Palestinians, including four children, have died, and about 90% of displacement shelters have been flooded. More than 250,000 displaced people have been affected by winter storms out of roughly 1.5 million Palestinians living in tents and makeshift shelters. Several residential buildings previously damaged by Israeli airstrikes have also collapsed due to rain and strong winds.
With most buildings in Gaza destroyed and Israel blocking the entry of mobile homes and construction materials, many Palestinians remain in cracked, unstable structures at risk of collapse. Although a ceasefire took effect on Oct. 10, 2025, living conditions have not significantly improved, as Israel has failed to meet its commitments under the agreement, including allowing agreed quantities of food, aid, medical supplies, and mobile housing into Gaza.
Israel has not fulfilled its obligations under the first phase of the agreement, particularly a halt to hostilities. Israeli forces have continued to launch attacks, killing at least 414 Palestinians and wounding 1,142 since the ceasefire. The Israeli army has killed over 71,200 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 171,200 others in attacks in Gaza since October 2023.