Storm Compounds Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza: 300,000 Families Displaced, UNRWA Pleads for Aid

A low-pressure system affecting the Eastern Mediterranean has compounded the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, leaving nearly 300,000 families homeless and prompting the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to urgently call for the immediate entry of aid.

Scope of Damage and Humanitarian Crisis:

• Affected Families: Around 288,000 families are now homeless due to the stormy weather that hit the Gaza Strip.

• Shelter Destruction: Over 125,000 tents were damaged and completely worn out, losing their ability to provide shelter and protection.

• Need vs. Supply: The Strip requires 300,000 new tents, but only 20,000 tents have entered—just 7% of the actual need.

• Medical Services: The storm disrupted 10 mobile medical points that provided essential services, severely increasing the health risk amid a lack of basic shelter and care.

UNRWA's Appeal:

• Health Risks: UNRWA warned that cold, overcrowded, and unsanitary environments lead to an increased risk of diseases and infections. Flooded streets and soaked tents make already harsh living conditions "more dangerous."

• Demand: UNRWA stressed that this suffering can be prevented by delivering unhindered humanitarian aid, including medical support and appropriate shelter.