• At least 24 people, including 21 children, have died due to extreme cold in Gaza since the beginning of winter.
• The storm has caused significant infrastructure damage, collapsing shelters for displaced families.
• Over 7,000 tents have been swept away during the recent severe weather conditions.
• Humanitarian aid remains critically insufficient amid continued Israeli restrictions.
• Health officials warn of rising risks of hypothermia and disease among displaced populations.

A major storm affecting Gaza has resulted in at least 24 deaths, including 21 children, as harsh winter conditions intensify the ongoing humanitarian crisis. A one-year-old boy died from exposure, bringing the total of cold-related fatalities this winter to seven, according to the Gaza government media office. Most victims were displaced Palestinians living in poorly-sheltered camps lacking basic necessities such as heating and warm clothing, imperiling the lives of vulnerable populations, particularly children, amid severe shortages of aid due to ongoing Israeli restrictions, as noted by aa and middleeasteye.

The storm has wreaked havoc on Gaza’s already vulnerable infrastructure, resulting in the collapse of numerous temporary structures. Reports indicate that over 7,000 tents have reportedly been destroyed in the storm’s aftermath, leaving families exposed to harsh conditions. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal claimed that the continuing blockade by Israel obstructs the entry of essential relief supplies and that the situation may result in "preventable deaths" as conditions worsen for many displaced families, as reported by latimes and aljazeera.

Health officials have emphasized the dire implications of cold exposure, with many families already facing increased risks of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. Notably, hospitals are reporting an influx of patients suffering from respiratory infections likely exacerbated by the cold, with warnings issued about the potential for disease spread given the significant displacement and poor living conditions, as highlighted by aa and reuters.

The humanitarian situation remains exacerbated due to the Israeli military's continued actions, which are reported to have killed over 71,400 Palestinians since the onset of extensive military operations in October 2023. Despite a ceasefire initiated in early October, violence has not ceased entirely, leading to mounting civilian fatalities and severe shortages of medical and humanitarian supplies, as reiterated by aa and latimes.