Winter is coming in Gaza: Over a million without shelter
As winter approaches, over one million Palestinians in genocide-hit Gaza are facing the harsh reality of insufficient shelter amidst cold and rainy weather, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).
Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza has left fewer buildings standing, forcing many to live in tents and makeshift shelters that offer little protection against the elements.
“Some have sewn together old rice sacks to ensure they have something, at least, between them and the sky,” said Alison Ely, the NRC’s shelter specialist in Gaza.
She warned that the coming winter would expose people to strong winds, heavy rains, and cold temperatures that these fragile shelters cannot withstand.
The NRC highlighted that temperatures in Gaza can drop to as low as 6 degrees Celsius (42 degrees Fahrenheit) during winter, significantly increasing the risk of respiratory infections and other illnesses among those living in dire conditions.
Families without access to proper heating are resorting to burning plastic and other hazardous materials, further compounding health risks.
The cold weather also poses a heightened fire risk, as wood and makeshift fuels are often used for heating and cooking. The lack of adequate resources has left families in a desperate struggle for survival.
Nagham, a 19-year-old displaced Palestinian, shared her experience: “We can’t call this a life. We struggle to find food and water. Life is difficult in every way – nothing can be achieved comfortably, unlike how we used to live. We don’t have mattresses; we sleep on a mat. We have no blankets, so the tent is freezing at night.”
For more than a year, Nagham has been moving from one place to another, seeking refuge from bombardments. At times, she has had no choice but to sleep in the open. Like most young people in Gaza, her education has come to a standstill, as schools remain inaccessible since October 2023.
Since 7 October 2023, the NRC has assisted more than 120,000 people in Gaza by providing shelter and essential items, including tents, blankets, mattresses, and kitchen sets. However, the needs far outweigh the aid available, leaving millions to endure the harsh winter without basic necessities.
