The spokesperson for the Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip, Mahmoud Basal, said that 17 citizens have died, including four children, as a result of the extreme cold, while others died due to building collapses.

Basal added that more than 17 residential buildings have completely collapsed since the start of the weather depressions, and that over 90 residential buildings have suffered dangerous partial collapses, posing a direct threat to the lives of thousands of citizens. He noted that 90% of shelters across the Gaza Strip have been completely flooded due to torrents and rainwater.

He explained that all citizens’ tents in various areas of the Strip were damaged and flooded, causing thousands of families to lose their temporary shelter and resulting in damage to clothing, mattresses, and blankets, further worsening the humanitarian situation. Civil defense teams have received more than 5,000 appeals and distress calls from citizens since the onset of the weather depressions.

Basal called for the immediate and urgent launch of reconstruction efforts and the provision of safe housing that preserves human dignity and protects lives.