Severe weather worsens humanitarian crisis in Gaza

Heavy rain and cold weather across the Gaza Strip on Thursday have caused flooding and worsened an already dire humanitarian situation for Palestinians, killing at least two people, including an eight-month-old girl. Hamas condemned Israel for aggravating the crisis, accusing it of blocking essential supplies and repeatedly violating ceasefire agreements.

The eight-month-old girl, identified as Rahaf Abu Jazar, died after being admitted to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis due to extreme cold, according to hospital officials. Meanwhile, in the al-Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City, a Palestinian man was killed when a wall collapsed during the heavy rain, hospital sources said.

Since Storm Byron arrived on Wednesday, Gaza has experienced sharp drops in temperature, strong winds and torrential rainfall, flooding many tents and worsening conditions for displaced residents. Officials with Gaza's health department told reporters that the combination of cold weather and fuel shortages has left many families without adequate shelter or heating.

In a statement, Hamas called on mediators and guarantor states to pressure Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza freely and to ensure the Rafah crossing is reopened in both directions in line with the agreement.

Municipal and civil defense authorities in Gaza said they received more than 2,500 emergency calls from across the territory. Much of the equipment needed to respond, including bulldozers and water pumps, was destroyed by Israeli strikes, while remaining vehicles are largely inoperative due to damaged parts or fuel shortages. Displaced residents are left to reinforce their tents and salvage what they can, facing harsh winter conditions with minimal protection.

(With input from Xinhua)