A severe polar low-pressure system battered Gaza on Wednesday, inundating thousands of makeshift shelters and leaving displaced families struggling to survive amid worsening conditions. Fragile tents and temporary structures, already weakened by months of military operations, were overwhelmed by the torrential rains, turning camps into mud-soaked, waterlogged zones. Residents fought to salvage their few belongings as the storm swept across areas where basic infrastructure has largely vanished.

Local authorities warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe as the deep storm system continues to intensify. Many low-lying displacement camps are at risk of complete flooding, while structurally compromised buildings face potential collapse under the weight of the downpour. With drainage systems shattered and essential services non-existent, the population is enduring brutal conditions, compounded by prolonged periods without shelter, electricity, or clean water. Officials stressed the urgent need for temporary infrastructure and emergency housing to prevent further tragedy among families already exposed to extreme hardship.

The relentless rain comes on top of the devastation caused by years of military operations, which have destroyed homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. For hundreds of thousands living in precarious conditions, the storm has transformed survival into an immediate and desperate challenge. Calls for international assistance have intensified, as local capacities to provide protection and relief are stretched beyond breaking point. Without rapid intervention, the combination of flooding, cold, and structural collapse threatens to deepen the already severe humanitarian crisis in the Strip.