Displaced Palestinian families in Gaza, forced from their homes by the Israeli occupation’s genocidal war since October 7, 2023, endure unbearable conditions in makeshift tents that offer little protection. Thousands have sought refuge in areas like Khan Yunis after their homes were destroyed, leaving them exposed to freezing winter temperatures and persistent hardship.
Mardai Shhadeh, displaced from northern Gaza, describes her reality: “Our lives are confined to this tent, a fragile fabric that offers no shield against the cold or rain. It’s not a home; it’s a constant reminder of the life we’ve lost.” She recounts how the bitter cold has already claimed lives while illnesses spread unchecked.
Shhadeh recalls her family’s life before the war: warm nights together, moments of peace now distant memories. “Now we sit in the cold, huddled under a roof that barely stands, struggling to keep our children alive. The rain leaks in, the wind tears at the fabric, and every day is a fight for survival.”
Rana Al-Shandaghli, displaced to Deir al-Balah, shares the same despair. “These tents are not livable. Winter has brought more suffering. Our children shiver from the cold, and adults are falling ill. Life has become unbearable,” she says, mourning her destroyed home.
She adds, “We’ve lost everything—our homes, memories, and dignity. Now we live in tents where privacy is non-existent, and survival is our only goal. Cooking, bathing, sleeping—all happen in this one confined space.”
The government media office in Gaza reports over 110,000 tents housing displaced Palestinians have been damaged or destroyed, with 81% now unfit for use. The cold has compounded the crisis, threatening thousands of lives.
In a statement, the office declared: “The Israeli occupation has created yet another catastrophe for Gaza’s displaced. The destruction of homes and lack of proper shelter have left thousands vulnerable. Immediate international intervention is essential to prevent further loss of life.”
As the genocide continues, Gaza’s displaced cling to survival, their plight a grim reminder of the human cost of Israeli aggression and the urgent need for global action.
Source : Safa News
