The United Nations has warned that heavy rainfall has severely worsened living conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza. UNICEF spokesperson Jonathan Cricks described the weather as 'horrific,' noting that flooding reached up to 15 centimeters near his office. The Hamas-run health ministry reported that one child died from hypothermia and at least 11 others were killed when buildings collapsed due to the storm.

Despite a ceasefire in place for nine weeks, UN agencies say aid remains insufficient. Around 55,000 families have been affected by the flooding, losing their shelters and belongings, while more than 40 emergency centers have been inundated. Cricks said many families are trying to remove water with buckets, and children in wet clothes face severe health risks.

The UN estimates that roughly one million people are living in tents or makeshift shelters, many of which are at risk of collapse in strong winds. Aid agencies are calling for urgent international assistance to prevent further humanitarian deterioration as winter intensifies.