in Palestine Saturday 7 November Sun 42° and falling · sets into Gaza’s sea at 16:48Sun 42° · sets 16:48 Previewing
inpalestinetoday Bringing the world closer to Palestine, one story at a time.
Get The Day by email

The Day · Wednesday 17 December 2025

Filed 01:48 · Palestine time (UTC+2) · Gaza

00:00–05:35Night

Sun −80° to −12°

Night

1 Killed as Floods Strike Gaza Hospital and Destroy Displaced Palestinians’ Tents in Cold Weather

At least one person has been killed after heavy rains flooded a Gaza hospital and swept away tents sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians amid severe cold. The flooding has deepened the suffering of those displaced, as winter conditions compounded the devastation.

KHAN YUNIS, GAZA – DECEMBER 16: Abu Zur, disabled Palestinian was forced to flee with his family from the al-Zaytoun area, and his family struggle to survive amid cold weather and floodwaters after their tent was submerged due to heavy rain and storms affecting the al-Namsawi area in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on December 16, 2025. ( Abed Rahim Khatib – Anadolu Agency )

One person has been killed as heavy rains engulfed parts of Gaza, flooding a hospital and driving away tents sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians. The incident unfolded amid extreme cold, compounding the already dire conditions faced by civilians struggling to survive in ongoing hardships. According to the available information, the downpour led to severe flooding in at least one Gaza hospital, disrupting operations and endangering the lives of patients and medical workers.

Meanwhile, the same storm swept through makeshift encampments, washing away the tents of thousands of displaced Palestinians. These individuals, already forced from their homes, faced renewed trauma as they were left exposed to punishing cold with no immediate shelter. The heavy rain turned temporary living areas into swamp-like terrain, pushing families into even more perilous conditions.

The cold weather added a layer of suffering, as families reportedly lost all protection against the wind and water. Makeshift shelters collapsed under the weight of accumulated rain, and the few belongings that displaced individuals managed to keep were reportedly swept away or drenched beyond use. The scale of destruction across the camps has raised concerns about the immediate capacity to provide shelter or relief amid the worsening weather.

Palestinians endured difficult conditions as the flooding further compounded their displacement crisis. From its side, the regional weather event highlighted the lack of infrastructure and resources to respond to such emergencies, especially in areas strained by continued displacement and lack of access to basic services. The destruction of tents points to the precarious nature of the living arrangements set up for thousands of individuals seeking safety and stability.

Images from the affected areas showed tents buckling under water and individuals attempting to retrieve what little they had left. In addition to the loss of one life, the incident underscored the vulnerability of displaced Palestinians, particularly in times of weather extremes. No further details were available about the identity of the victim or the specific hospital affected, in line with the limited information provided.

This latest hardship faced by Palestinians in Gaza reflects broader challenges under conditions of displacement and environmental exposure. With minimal resources, the ability to withstand such natural forces remains gravely compromised. The extreme cold in conjunction with the flooding marks a severe humanitarian consequence in the ongoing series of calamities confronting Gaza’s displaced population.

In conclusion, the combination of flooding, the destruction of critical shelter infrastructure, and cold weather continues to endanger displaced Palestinians’ lives and wellbeing. As they grapple with the aftermath, the need for immediate and effective shelter solutions remains urgent. Further developments are yet to emerge.

17 Dec, 01:48

The rest of the day

  • Haredim Threaten Netanyahu Over Army Exemption Law

    Tensions have escalated as Haredim threaten Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the army exemption law. The dispute highlights internal fractures and ongoing debate over military obligations. The development underscores intensifying pressure on the Israeli leadership and reflects growing dissatisfaction among key societal groups.

  • Egypt Urges US to Restrain Netanyahu Over Gaza ‘Yellow Line’ Dispute

    Egypt has called on the United States to restrain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over a dispute regarding a so-called ‘yellow line’ in Gaza. The request highlights growing tensions and Egypt’s direct appeal to Washington amid continued friction related to developments in Gaza.

  • UN Warns Newborns in Gaza Face Risk of Freezing Amid Israeli Aid Restrictions

    The UN has issued a warning that newborns in Gaza are at risk of freezing during a winter storm. The statement highlights concerns over the impact of Israeli aid restrictions. The conditions pose a significant threat to the most vulnerable amid ongoing barriers to humanitarian support.

  • Hamas Calls for Swift Response as Storms Batter Gaza Displaced

    Hamas has called for immediate action after storms struck Gaza, worsening the conditions of displaced families. The movement highlighted the urgent need for intervention to address the harsh weather’s impact on those uprooted, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing civilians in the Strip.

  • Israel Transfers 220m Shekels from Palestinian Budget to Shin Bet

    In a move sparking criticism, Israel has redirected 220 million shekels from the Palestinian budget to the Shin Bet. The shift channels Palestinian public funds towards internal Israeli security services, raising concerns over resource allocation and continued pressure on Palestinian civil society.

  • Israeli Settlers Burn Olive Trees Near Ramallah

    Israeli settlers burned olive trees near Ramallah, targeting agricultural lands. The incident reflects ongoing tensions in the area and raises concerns among local farmers. No further details have been released as the situation continues to unfold.

  • New Egyptian-Turkish Defence Partnership Signals Possible Regional Shift

    A new Egyptian-Turkish defence partnership has emerged, potentially altering the power dynamics within the region. Observers are closely monitoring this development for its implications on existing alliances and regional equilibrium. The nature of the partnership remains focused on defence, without further disclosed details.

  • Netanyahu Declares Himself Above the Law as Calls for Accountability Persist

    Benjamin Netanyahu’s assertion, ‘I am the law, and Israel is Über alles,’ raises concerns about the erosion of checks and balances. As leadership dismisses accountability, observers question the implications for justice and governance under current Israeli leadership.

  • ICC Upholds Arrest Warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, Rejects Israel’s Appeal

    The International Criminal Court has rejected Israel’s appeal, confirming that arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant remain in force. This development marks a significant judicial stance as pressure mounts. Israel’s attempt to overturn the warrants has failed, while the court maintains its position.

  • Palestinian Teen Killed by Israeli Army in West Bank Raid

    The Israeli army has killed a Palestinian teen during a raid in the West Bank. The incident reflects ongoing tensions in the occupied territory, as Israeli military operations continue to target Palestinian communities. No further details have been released at this time. The killing has fueled anger and deepened the sense of injustice among Palestinians facing repeated armed incursions.

The Day, at first light

The running order in your inbox as the sky over Palestine starts to lighten. Tomorrow that is 05:36 Palestine time, and a little later each day.

inpalestinetoday