UN Reports Heavy Rains Aggravate Plight of Displaced Families in Gaza

Thu Dec 18 2025 23:40:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent heavy rains have further worsened the living conditions for nearly 55,000 families displaced in the Gaza Strip, raising concerns over hypothermia and other illnesses among vulnerable populations.

According to UN reports, heavy rains have compounded the already difficult living situations for hundreds of thousands of displaced Gazans. Officials express urgent concerns about health risks, especially for children, as shelters are reported to have been severely damaged. Aid efforts have intensified but remain insufficient. The ongoing humanitarian crisis follows the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has left many families without stable housing.|

Heavy rains over the past week have compounded the already dire living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, UN agencies say.

Unicef spokesman Jonathan Crickx told the BBC that the weather overnight had been horrendous, with the rain so intense that he had seen up to 15cm (6in) of water on the ground near his office.

He said he was extremely concerned that children living in tents and makeshift shelters in wet clothing would succumb to hypothermia and other illnesses.

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry has said one baby has died from hypothermia and at least 11 other people have died in building collapses caused by the severe weather.

UN agencies have stepped up deliveries of tents, blankets and clothes since the Gaza ceasefire began nine weeks ago, but they have said there is still not enough aid getting in.

The UN and its partners estimate that almost 55,000 families have so far been affected by the rains, with their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed.

More than 40 designated emergency shelters were severely flooded following downpours on Monday and Tuesday, forcing many people to relocate again.

Last night was really horrendous for the families. The heavy rains were so intense that we could see from our office and guest house 10cm, 15cm (4-6in) of water at some point. And the winds were so strong,” Crickx reported.

The frequent storms have jeopardized many already fragile structures, and the humanitarian crises in Gaza continue as the international community faces calls to provide more assistance and address long-term rebuilding plans.