Severe Weather in Gaza Claims Lives Amid Humanitarian Crisis
In a tragic humanitarian situation, civil defense teams in the Gaza Strip reported on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, that 17 Palestinians, including four children, have died due to severe weather conditions caused by a wave of low atmospheric pressure affecting the region.
Mahmoud Bsal, the civil defense spokesperson, stated that extreme cold was a direct cause of several fatalities, while others lost their lives due to the collapse of buildings weakened by heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Bsal confirmed that over 17 residential buildings have completely collapsed since the onset of the low-pressure system, with more than 90 additional buildings suffering severe partial collapses, posing a direct threat to the lives of thousands amid deteriorating infrastructure and a worsening humanitarian situation.
He noted that approximately 90% of shelter centers in the Gaza Strip were completely flooded due to rising waters, explaining that all tents housing displaced individuals in various areas were affected, leading to the loss of temporary shelter for thousands of families.
These conditions have damaged clothing, mattresses, and blankets, exacerbating the suffering of residents, particularly children and the elderly, amid a drastic drop in temperatures and a severe shortage of basic necessities.
The civil defense teams have received over 5,000 requests for assistance since the low-pressure conditions began, while they are working with limited resources to address the scale of the disaster.
Bsal issued an urgent appeal to the international community and humanitarian organizations for immediate action to assist the residents of Gaza and provide essential needs, stating that tents have proven completely inadequate for coping with the severe weather conditions.
He urged stakeholders and international institutions to refrain from reintroducing tents, calling for an immediate start to the reconstruction process and the provision of safe housing that preserves human dignity and protects lives from recurring risks.
Today, Gaza faces not only a winter storm but also a humanitarian catastrophe that requires urgent international action before the number of victims doubles.
