FIRST SIGNIFICANT WINTER RAINS LASH GAZA, DESTROYING MAKESHIFT SHELTERS. (PHOTO).

 First significant winter rains lash Gaza, destroying makeshift shelters

 The first heavy winter rains hit the Gaza Strip on Saturday, sending water surging through the sprawling Muwasi tent camp as residents struggled with flooding and damaged infrastructure after two years of war.

Families scrambled to dig trenches to redirect water away from their tents, while rain seeped through tears in tarpaulins and makeshift shelters. Intermittent downpours soaked the few belongings people had managed to save, and strong winds threatened to topple tents and ruin gathered food and supplies as the harsh winter set in.

Two weeks ago, Bassil Naggar purchased a new tent from the black market for 2,300 NIS ($712.50) to replace one damaged by the summer sun, only to have rainwater leak through. “I spent all Friday pushing water out of my tent,” he said, noting that neighbors’ shelters and possessions were destroyed. Barefoot children splashed in puddles while women tried to make tea outside under dark, heavy clouds.

The U.N. estimates that Muwasi, once largely undeveloped dunes, housed up to 425,000 displaced Palestinians this past summer, most living in temporary, improvised tents. The Israeli authority overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza has allowed some winterization supplies, including blankets and heavy tarpaulins, but aid groups warn these efforts are insufficient as temperatures drop and harsh winds sweep in from the sea.

Some residents sought refuge in partially destroyed buildings, despite the risk of collapse, covering gaping holes with scraps of tarpaulin.

The region has been devastated since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Three hostages’ bodies remain with Hamas, which claims it cannot locate them, while Israel insists their release is needed before moving forward with the second stage of a ceasefire.

The initial phase of the ceasefire, which began on October 10, is nearing completion. The next stage, which involves establishing a governing body for Gaza and deploying an international stabilization force, remains uncertain.

Israel’s military operations have killed 69,100 people, including many women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not separate civilians from combatants. Roughly 90% of Gaza’s population of 2 million has been displaced, and large parts of the territory have been destroyed.