Winter storms kill five in Gaza amid desperate conditions in makeshift camps

Winter storms in Gaza have killed at least five Palestinians, including children, who were living in makeshift camps after being displaced by war. The deaths were caused by collapsed walls and hypothermia, highlighting the dangerous living conditions and lack of adequate shelter despite a ceasefire that began in October. Aid groups report that insufficient shelter materials are entering Gaza, leaving many vulnerable to the elements. The UN is distributing aid, but the majority of displaced Palestinians continue to live in tents after their homes were destroyed during the conflict. The Gaza health ministry reports that hundreds more have died from Israeli fire since the ceasefire began.

A severe storm in Gaza has caused the deaths of eight Palestinians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation on January 13, 2026. The storm brought freezing temperatures and heavy rain, leading to hypothermia deaths, including children, and the collapse of buildings weakened by previous Israeli attacks. Civil Defence officials warn of catastrophic consequences due to inadequate shelter for displaced people. Israel's continued restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, despite a ceasefire, are hindering relief efforts. Hamas has criticized the international community's failure to provide sufficient assistance to the region.