Deadly winter storm displaces thousands and destroys tents in Gaza

Heavy rains and strong winds battered the Gaza Strip starting on November 7, 2026, causing widespread flooding that destroyed approximately 70,000 tents housing displaced Palestinians within 12 hours. Local authorities reported that the extreme weather transformed camps into mud pits, leaving thousands of families without shelter. Civil defense teams received over 1,500 emergency calls, though they lacked adequate equipment to provide assistance.

On Sunday, November 8, tragedy struck south of Deir al-Balah when a sand embankment collapsed onto tents, killing five individuals: Salah Nabhan, Maryam Nabhan, Reem Al-Zein, Ibrahim Al-Zein, and Habiba Al-Zein. Numerous other injuries were reported across the strip due to collapsing walls and roofs.

International bodies, including the Palestinian Embassy in Cyprus, have urged the global community to press Israel to lift restrictions on humanitarian aid and construction materials. Aid groups emphasize that the region requires an immediate supply of 200,000 to 300,000 new tents or caravans to house the exposed population. Rescue efforts remain ongoing as teams continue to search for individuals reported missing amidst the debris and mud.