Palestinians 'drowning' as rain and wind uproot more Gaza tents Heavy rain and strong winds flooded and uprooted tents in the Gaza Strip on Monday, worsening already dire living conditions for Palestinians after two years of Israeli genocide. The Palestinian health ministry reported that two-month-old Arkan Firas Musleh died from the cold on Monday, as harsh winter conditions were exacerbated by Israel’s blockade on supplies of shelters. Since the start of the rainy season earlier this month, at least three children have died from the cold, while 17 others have been killed by buildings collapsing due to storms and strong winds. According to the Shelter Cluster, more than 42,000 tents and makeshift shelters were damaged between 10 and 17 December, affecting nearly a quarter of a million people in the besieged enclave. Amro Akram, a resident of the Gaza Strip currently displaced in Khan Younis, described the harsh conditions. Read more: Palestinians 'drowning' as rain and wind uproot more Gaza tents A displaced Palestinian toddler walks during winter in Gaza City, 28 December 2025 (Omar al-Qattaa/AFP)