17 Deaths in Gaza Due to Extreme Cold and Building Collapses

The spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense, Mahmoud Basal, announced a humanitarian catastrophe as extreme winter storms sweep through the sector. The severe weather has led to 17 deaths and the widespread destruction of temporary and permanent shelters.

1. Human and Structural Toll

• Fatalities: 17 citizens have died, including 4 children who succumbed to the biting cold. Others died in building collapses.

• Infrastructure: 17 residential buildings have completely collapsed, while over 90 others suffered dangerous partial collapses.

• Flooding: Approximately 90% of shelters have been completely flooded by rainwater and torrents. All tents across the sector were damaged, leaving thousands of families without clothing, bedding, or shelter.

2. Urgent Appeal

The Civil Defense received over 5,000 distress calls since the storms began. Basal declared that "tents have proven to be a total failure" in providing protection and called on the international community to stop sending tents and instead initiate immediate reconstruction to provide safe, dignified housing.