Gaza struggles in winter conditions: Torrential rains kill 12

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 -Heavy winter rains have battered the Gaza Strip for days, leaving at least 12 people dead and compounding the suffering of thousands already displaced by years of conflict. 

Torrential downpours overwhelmed the densely populated coastal enclave, flooding tent camps, turning dirt paths into mud, and causing structurally weakened buildings to collapse under the weight of the water. Among the victims was a two‑week‑old baby who died from hypothermia as families struggled to stay dry and warm in inadequate shelter.

Most of Gaza’s population remains displaced, living in fragile tents or among the ruins of buildings damaged in the war, with little protection against winter storms. 

Rescue workers warned against seeking refuge in unstable structures, but limited safe spaces and shelter options have left many with few alternatives as floodwaters rise and wind gusts batter the region. Entire neighborhoods faced severe flooding, forcing residents to wade through waterlogged camps in search of dry ground.

Humanitarian groups say winter and shelter supplies are urgently needed, noting that tents and materials delivered so far are insufficient and often not insulated for cold, wet conditions. 

With roads and infrastructure damaged, and basic services still disrupted, Palestinians in Gaza are confronting a deepening crisis as winter’s harsh weather worsens living conditions and heightens risks of disease, hypothermia, and further loss of life.