UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini warned on Thursday that Storm Byron is intensifying the already devastating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where millions of Palestinians continue to endure the consequences of months of Israeli bombardment, siege, and mass displacement.

In a post on X, Lazzarini said the storm “has Gaza in its grip,” noting that Palestinians who have already lost their homes, belongings, and loved ones are now facing harsh winter conditions with almost no protection. He stressed that the heavy rain and strong winds have brought a new wave of suffering to families surviving in overcrowded displacement camps.

According to UNRWA, the storm has severely impacted hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in makeshift shelters built from plastic sheets, torn tarpaulins, and other fragile materials. Many shelters have collapsed or flooded, leaving families exposed to cold weather and increasing the risk of illness among children and the elderly.

Lazzarini highlighted that UNRWA teams—many of whom are displaced themselves—are working under extremely difficult circumstances to support affected families. Staff members are draining sewage and floodwaters, clearing garbage, distributing tarpaulins, winter clothing and blankets, and providing urgent medical care to those in need.

He noted that since early Wednesday, heavy rainfall and strong winds have overwhelmed Gaza’s fragile displacement camps, flooding thousands of tents across the Strip. Meteorologists warn that the storm is expected to continue until Friday evening, raising concerns about further humanitarian deterioration in an already devastated territory.

Lazzarini reiterated that Gaza’s displaced families are facing conditions no population should have to endure, and called on the international community to take immediate action to protect civilians and support relief efforts. (ILKHA)