Winter rain lashed the Gaza Strip over the weekend, flooding camps with ankle-deep puddles as Palestinians displaced by two years of war attempted to stay dry in tents frayed by months of use. The first phase that took effect on October 10 was meant to bring a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza, including shelter. "Puddles formed, and there was a bad smell," said Majdoleen Tarabein, displaced from Rafah in southern Gaza. Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began, 414 people have been killed and 1,142 wounded in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Israel has said it refuses to move to the next phase while the remains of the final hostage are still in Gaza.

Source: The Hindu December 29, 2025 00:36 UTC