Gazans urged to shelter as sandstorm turns skies orange

A sandstorm swept across Gaza on Saturday, prompting warnings for residents to seek shelter. First responders from the Hamas-run Interior Ministry urged people to secure their tents, as most of Gaza's two million Palestinians are displaced and living in temporary structures due to the war with Israel. The storm turned the skies orange and posed a particular health risk to those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The displaced population is especially vulnerable due to damaged infrastructure and limited resources. The sandstorm exacerbates the already challenging living conditions in the war-torn enclave.

On March 14, 2026, a severe sandstorm struck the Gaza Strip. The event primarily impacted displaced Palestinians living in the area. The sandstorm poses increased health risks to this vulnerable population. It is also destroying the makeshift shelters that displaced Palestinians rely on for housing. The storm exacerbates already challenging living conditions for those displaced in Gaza.