Gaza: Flooding, Cold, and Damage Compound Residents' Suffering

Heavy rains have caused widespread flooding in Gaza, inundating tent shelters and turning war-damaged roads into muddy tracks. Gazan children are huddling around campfires, seeking warmth in partially destroyed buildings.

This week's storm serves as a stark reminder to Gazans that, despite the cessation of bombing, life remains far from normal. The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas raised hopes for a swift reconstruction of the devastated enclave. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. these hopes are fading as discussions regarding Gaza's future continue between Israel, the United States, and Hamas, delaying the rebuilding process.

The dangers are multifaceted. According to Gaza’s civil defense emergency workers, at least 11 people died this week as damaged buildings collapsed while they were sheltering inside during the storm.

Staying warm is a daily struggle for many. Cooking gas is often too expensive, and available firewood is frequently damp and difficult to ignite. Even those Gazans fortunate enough to live in structurally sound buildings often lack reliable access to electricity or central heating.

Israel's military campaign against Hamas resulted in tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza and the widespread destruction of its cities. Relentless airstrikes and the systematic razing of entire residential areas flattened large swathes of the territory.

The United Nations reports that over 120,000 buildings in Gaza were destroyed, with tens of thousands more sustaining moderate to severe damage. In total, approximately 81 percent of the structures in the enclave were affected. The estimated cost for rebuilding is around $70 billion.