Displaced Gazans face coming winter in worn-out tents

GAZA - Displaced Palestinians in Gaza are worried about the coming winter cold, living in worn-out tents that no longer shield them from rain or biting wind.

 

“We are a group of approximately 15 people living in this tent. We have now been here for nearly two years since the war began. The condition of the tent is very poor. It is made of cloth, which has a limited lifespan. It might last for two, three, or perhaps six months, but after that, it becomes unusable,” said Mohammed al‑Beik, who was displaced from Gaza City to al‑Mawasi in the south.

 

“Our situation is very difficult in the summer and significantly worse in the winter because the tent is torn and allows water to leak inside. The coastal weather also creates major problems for us,” he added.

 

The Gaza Strip is under a strict blockade imposed by Israel as its war with Hamas finishes its second year. Under the blockade, very little humanitarian support is allowed into the enclave.

 

“This tent is completely worn out,” said Mohammed al‑Qutati, a displaced Palestinian from Rafah. “It offers no protection in the winter or the summer.”

 

The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing at least 1,200 people and abducting 250. In response, Israel launched a major military offensive, killing more than 66,000 people, according to the Gaza-based health ministry.

 

Hamas on Friday agreed to some parts of a 20-point peace proposal from United States President Donald Trump, including releasing all Israeli hostages, alive and deceased. It also said it would agree to hand over administration of Gaza to a “Palestinian body of independents,” but said other parts of the proposal require negotiation.

 

Hamas also called for any final agreement to be based on a national consensus with other Palestinian factions and consistent with international law.