OCHA: Heavy rains compound dire conditions in Gaza

16 December 2025

OCHA warns that heavy rains are compounding the already dire conditions that families in the Gaza Strip are enduring.

Partners report that the storm continued overnight and into today, causing severe flooding of more than 40 designated emergency shelters – mostly in Khan Younis and Gaza city.

Some displaced families sought shelter in bathrooms or temporary learning spaces after their tents were damaged. Partners’ latest estimates indicate that some 700 tents have been damaged or otherwise impacted by the flooding, with thousands of people affected.

Teams helping manage displacement sites are clearing blocked drainage channels and pumping floodwater away from shelter yards.

The onset of winter is having a devastating impact on the most vulnerable. Today, the Ministry of Health said that one baby who was admitted to hospital for treatment two days ago died yesterday of hypothermia.

In recent days – and despite ongoing challenges to the humanitarian response – the UN and its humanitarian partners have been working to address the needs of families across the Strip, despite the harsh conditions on the ground.

Yesterday, the UN and its partners coordinated nine humanitarian movements inside Gaza with the Israeli authorities. Four were facilitated and three were impeded but eventually completed. These missions allowed humanitarians to collect critical supplies from the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings – including food, fuel, blankets, tents and winter clothing. The other two missions were impeded – and only one of them was able to be partially accomplished.

In Khan Younis, damage to the Bani Suhaila Mekorot water pipeline was repaired yesterday, after access to the facility was granted by the Israeli authorities.

The UN and its partners continue to provide support to affected families through a system that was set up for a rapid, joint response to flooding alerts. It brings together UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, working side by side to distribute tents, tarpaulins, warm clothes, blankets and dignity kits across Gaza.

Last Saturday, partners providing nutrition support distributed 7.5 kilograms of high-energy biscuits per household to more than 1,000 families who were affected by the latest rainstorm in various areas.

Between Saturday and Sunday alone, partners reached 12,200 people with emergency winter support and other critical aid, such as clothing, blankets and menstrual hygiene products. They also provided cash assistance to more than 400 people. Over 1,200 people also received mental health and psychosocial services, and 450 people with disabilities accessed rehabilitation services.

Partners supporting agricultural services said that the distribution of veterinary kits resumed on Sunday, after being temporarily paused due to adverse weather. Since the start of the distribution on 9 December, some 400 herders have received these kits, along with animal fodder.