ISRAELI OCCUPIED GAZA, 15 Dec. - (ANA) - Families already displaced by Israel’s genocidal war are now stranded in waterlogged tents as Storm Byron continues to pound Gaza, the Palestinian Civil Defence said on Thursday.

 

In its latest update, the Civil Defence reported heavy rainfall across the southern Gaza Strip. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that streets had flooded and large numbers of tents were soaked, further worsening the extreme conditions faced by displaced Palestinians.

 

"Cold, overcrowded, and unsanitary environments heighten the risk of illness and infection," the agency warned. "This suffering could be prevented by unhindered humanitarian aid, including medical support and proper shelter."

 

Israel continues to block the entry of large quantities of tents and mobile homes into Gaza. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain without safe shelter or basic assistance while severe weather hits an already devastated territory.

 

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese said Palestinians have been left to starve as the storm, expected to continue until Friday, deepens what she described as the ongoing nightmare inside the enclave.

 

 

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that US officials had discussed potential "terror"-related sanctions on UNRWA, a move that would further restrict the only major aid agency still capable of operating inside Gaza at scale.

 

In southern Lebanon, an Israeli tank fired in the direction of UN personnel, adding to growing concerns over Israel's escalating regional behaviour.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/15 December 2025 - - -