Life for the displaced in Gaza changes in its daily details as the cold sets in: tents that rain leaks into, ground flooded with water, and cold nights without heating. The United Nations announced that 800 thousand people, nearly 40 percent of the population, live in flood-prone sites.
How do the displaced in Gaza live in winter?
Most of the displaced live in tents or collective shelters with limited protection. After the ceasefire on 10 October 2025, 639 thousand people moved from the south of the Strip toward Gaza City, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, looking for their homes or relatives, and many returned to destroyed areas.
What happens when rain and wind arrive?
On 31 December 2025 UNICEF estimated that about 100 thousand families were hit by heavy rain, strong winds and low temperatures. It said its teams, while visiting displacement camps, found many tents blown away or collapsed, and that children need blankets, plastic sheeting and safe water and sanitation facilities.
How are children affected?
UNICEF announced that six children died in December 2025 because of the harsh winter conditions. Among children’s needs it also lists hygiene items and psychological support. The previous winter, more than twelve people, including infants, died from hypothermia.
What eases the cold for them?
- A sound tent or plastic sheet that stops rain from leaking in.
- Blankets and mattresses that protect from the cold ground.
- Winter clothes and shoes.
- Sandbags and drainage that reduce the risk of flooding.
- Hot food and health care.
Many shelter items have reached the Strip: the International Organization for Migration delivered more than 660 thousand shelter and hygiene items in two months, including more than 11 thousand tents, but the need remains larger than what is available.
How can I support the displaced in Gaza?
Life for the displaced in Gaza improves when shelter and warmth reach them on time. Take part through the donation page, and read about Gaza’s needs in winter and the winter campaign in Gaza.
Frequently asked questions about the life of the displaced in Gaza
Where do the displaced in Gaza live in winter?
They live in tents, temporary homes and collective shelters. The United Nations reported that 800 thousand people live in flood-prone sites, and that hundreds of tents were blown away or damaged in January 2026.
How many displaced people moved after the ceasefire?
The International Organization for Migration announced that 639 thousand people moved from southern Gaza toward Gaza City, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun between the ceasefire of 10 October 2025 and early December.
What do displaced children need most in winter?
Families and children need blankets, plastic sheeting, warm clothes and sound tents, as well as hygiene items, safe water and psychological support, according to what UNICEF announced in December 2025.
