What's happened
Since the October 2025 ceasefire, Gaza's displaced population faces deadly winter storms that have collapsed tents and homes, killing at least eight children and several adults. Over two million Palestinians live in fragile shelters amid severe shortages of aid, fuel, and building materials. Israeli restrictions continue to limit humanitarian access, worsening the crisis during Gaza's third winter of conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Ceasefire
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is exacerbated by the harsh winter conditions, which have exposed the fragility of the displaced population's living arrangements. Despite a ceasefire since October 2025, daily Israeli strikes and severe restrictions on aid and reconstruction materials have prevented meaningful relief. The destruction of infrastructure and homes has forced over two million Palestinians into flimsy tents and damaged buildings, which are ill-equipped to withstand winter storms.
Aid Shortages and Access Restrictions
Israel's control over Gaza's borders and refusal to allow sufficient entry of prefabricated housing and building materials have critically limited the ability to provide adequate shelter. Aid deliveries average only 145 trucks daily, far below the 600 trucks promised under the ceasefire agreement. Fuel shortages further hinder heating and medical care, increasing vulnerability to cold-related illnesses and deaths, especially among children and the elderly.
Political and Security Complexities
The announcement of a US-led Board of Peace to oversee Gaza's reconstruction and governance has been met with skepticism amid ongoing violence and political tensions. The second phase of the ceasefire involves complex issues such as disarming Hamas and establishing a new governance structure, with little clarity on timelines or enforcement. Israeli military operations continue, undermining the ceasefire's effectiveness and prolonging civilian suffering.
Forecast and Consequences
Without a significant increase in humanitarian aid and a genuine cessation of hostilities, the winter will continue to claim lives and deepen the crisis. Reconstruction efforts face enormous financial and political hurdles, with over $50 billion needed and limited pledges so far. The international community's role in enforcing aid access and supporting reconstruction will be critical to preventing further deterioration.
Relevance to Readers
This crisis highlights the devastating human cost of protracted conflict and the challenges of delivering humanitarian aid in politically complex environments. It underscores the importance of international diplomatic efforts and humanitarian advocacy to alleviate suffering and promote stability in the region.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum reports from Gaza City on the dire conditions faced by displaced Palestinians, noting that "127,000 of the 135,000 tents in displacement camps have been rendered unusable because of the recent extreme weather," and that Israel's restrictions on aid and building materials have worsened the crisis. The New Arab highlights the death of a 27-day-old infant due to cold exposure and details the controversial US-led Board of Peace announced by President Trump to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, including figures like Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, which has drawn criticism for its composition and approach.
The Associated Press provides insight into the skepticism among Gazans regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, with residents like Hamza Abu Shahab expressing hope for tangible improvements rather than empty promises. UNICEF and UNRWA reports emphasize the psychological toll on children and the urgent need for shelter, with UNRWA stating that "winter weather is adding to the suffering of families already pushed to the brink by over two years of war."
The Independent and Reuters detail the recent deadly storm that caused walls to collapse onto tents, killing multiple family members, including children, and flooding hundreds of shelters. They also report on the inadequate response capacity due to fuel shortages and damaged equipment. Israeli military actions continue despite the ceasefire, as reported by Sky News and The Times of Israel, underscoring the fragile nature of the truce.
Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a humanitarian disaster unfolding amid political stalemate and ongoing violence, with the winter season intensifying the suffering of Gaza's displaced population.
How we got here
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, leading to over 70,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza. A US-brokered ceasefire started in October 2025, but ongoing Israeli strikes and restrictions on aid have left millions displaced in makeshift shelters vulnerable to harsh winter conditions.
Go deeper
- What is the current status of the Gaza ceasefire and its enforcement?
- How is the international community responding to Gaza's humanitarian crisis?
- What are the prospects for reconstruction and peace in Gaza?
Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza after the ceasefire?
Despite a ceasefire since October 10, Gaza remains in a dire humanitarian crisis. Ongoing conflict, aid restrictions, and harsh winter conditions continue to threaten the lives of over 2 million residents. Many are living in fragile tents exposed to storms, with fatalities still occurring. Here’s what you need to know about the current situation, the impact of winter, and what aid is reaching Gaza now.
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What Is the Impact of Winter Storms on Gaza's Displaced Populations?
Recent winter storms have severely affected Gaza's already vulnerable displaced populations. With over 1.5 million Palestinians displaced by ongoing conflict, harsh weather conditions have worsened living situations, causing tents to collapse and flooding to increase. Many residents are now facing life-threatening conditions, raising urgent questions about aid, climate effects, and humanitarian responses. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding Gaza's winter crisis and what is being done to help.
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What’s the Latest on Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis and Winter Storms?
Gaza is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis worsened by winter storms, ongoing conflict, and political uncertainty. Displaced families are struggling with shelter and aid shortages, even as efforts for reconstruction and peace negotiations continue. Here are the key questions and answers to understand the current situation in Gaza and what it means for its people.
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What Are the Key Global Political and Humanitarian Challenges This Week?
This week has seen significant developments across the world, from ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts to humanitarian crises and advances in medical research. Curious about the latest stories shaping global stability? Below, we explore the main headlines and answer common questions about these pressing issues.
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How Are Winter Storms Affecting Gaza's Displaced People?
Gaza's displaced populations are facing a harsh winter compounded by storms that threaten their fragile shelters. With ongoing aid shortages, fuel scarcity, and continued violence, many are struggling to survive the cold and flooding. Curious about how these storms impact Gaza and what’s being done? Below are answers to common questions about this urgent crisis.
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What’s the Future of Gaza After the Humanitarian Crisis?
Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict, harsh winter storms, and complex political developments. Many wonder what’s next for the region—how aid efforts are progressing, what the international community is doing, and whether peace is possible. Below, we explore the key questions shaping Gaza’s future and what it means for civilians caught in the middle.
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Will AI Age-Detection Tech Become Standard Worldwide?
As technology advances, AI age-detection systems are increasingly being adopted by social media platforms to protect minors online. But will these tools become a global standard, and what does that mean for privacy and safety? Below, we explore the future of AI age verification, its implications, and how different regions are approaching this technology.
More on these topics
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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The United Nations Children's Fund is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.U.N. headquarters is based in New York City, it is among the most widespread and recognizable social welfare o