Jerusalem, Jan 13 (EFE).- At least four Palestinians died Tuesday as a result of the severe storm that has been battering the Gaza Strip, according to the Civil Defense in Gaza and al-Shifa Hospital.
At least three members of the Hamouda family died when part of a building collapsed in western Gaza City. Two of the victims were identified as Doa Mansur Hosni Hamouda, 33, and Mohamad Al Abed Hamouda, 72.
In addition, a woman died in central Gaza City when a wall collapsed onto her tent on Zawra Street. The deceased was identified as Wafa Shareer.
Gaza emergency services also reported that a man was seriously injured when his tent was blown off the roof of the building due to the strong winds affecting the region.
Since the end of November, temperatures have plummeted in Gaza, accompanied by intense rain and wind that have flooded tents and damaged clothing, blankets, and belongings.
The Gaza government’s media office reported on Monday that the total number of deaths from hypothermia since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023 has risen to 21, including 18 children, all of whom were displaced and living in makeshift camps with precarious tents that offer little protection from the cold and rain.
With Gaza devastated after two years of Israeli bombing, which has killed more than 71,400 Palestinians, much of the population continues to live in tents; meanwhile, the UN is urging the Israeli government to allow the entry of prefabricated houses and insulating materials.
Furthermore, despite the ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 442 people in Gaza, where it still controls 54 percent of the Strip from the so-called “yellow line.” From there, they continue to fire almost daily on Palestinians who, the army alleges without evidence, are getting too close to the troops.
A large part of the Gazan population is unaware of the demarcations and is approaching this new dividing line, which is supposed to be temporary according to the agreement, trying to return to their homes or in search of food. EFE
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