A severe sandstorm swept through Gaza’s displacement camps, battering tents and makeshift shelters and aggravating already dire living conditions for families forced from their homes. Blowing dust and grit reduced visibility, coated belongings and infrastructure, and seeped into fragile shelters, leaving many residents with soaked bedding and ruined supplies.
The storm heightened risks to health and hygiene in densely packed camps where access to clean water, sanitation and medical services is limited. Respiratory problems, eye irritation and infections are common after such events, especially among children, the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. People reported difficulties breathing and described prolonged coughing and sore throats as dust filled enclosed spaces.
Damage to tents and temporary structures was widespread. Thin plastic and cloth shelters offered little protection against strong winds and blowing sand, and many families said their tents were torn or collapsed, exposing them to cold and damp conditions. Personal belongings, food supplies and bedding were covered in sand, forcing hurried cleanups with scarce water.
Humanitarian workers and local volunteers mobilized to provide emergency relief, distributing tarps, blankets and basic cleaning supplies where possible. Aid groups warned that repeated storms compound the vulnerability of displaced populations and called for increased shelter materials and weather-resistant supplies. They also urged improved access for humanitarian convoys to reach affected communities quickly.
Camp residents expressed frustration at the lack of durable housing options and the fragility of current arrangements. For many, sandstorms are one more hazard layered onto the hardships of displacement—another episode that erodes limited resources and undermines efforts to maintain health and dignity.
Authorities and aid organizations emphasized the need for long-term solutions that prioritize secure, weatherproof shelter and reliable water and sanitation services. In the immediate term, responders focused on clearing pathways, repairing shelters where possible, and providing medical attention for those experiencing respiratory or other storm-related ailments.
