Desperate Palestinians in Gaza are digging through garbage dumps with their bare hands to find plastic and scraps to burn for warmth, as cold winter temperatures compound the humanitarian crisis in the war-ravaged enclave.
In the Muwasi area of Khan Younis, families living in tents and damaged buildings struggle to survive nights where temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Despite a ceasefire and increased aid flows, fuel and firewood remain scarce and unaffordable for many.
Residents say searching for firewood is both costly and dangerous, while deadly Israeli strikes continue to be reported despite the truce. On Thursday, Israeli tank shelling killed four Palestinians east of Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital officials.
Sanaa Salah, a mother of six living in a tent, said her family burns plastic and paper despite the health risks because they have no alternative. “Life is very hard,” she said. “We do not sleep at night from the cold.”
Others echoed the same desperation. Aziz Akel said his family has no income and cannot afford firewood, while his daughter Lina said he searches garbage daily for plastic to burn — “the basics of life.”
Aid agencies warn that without sustained access to fuel and basic supplies, Gaza’s displaced population will continue to face severe hardship as winter deepens.
In the Muwasi area of Khan Younis, families living in tents and damaged buildings struggle to survive nights where temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Despite a ceasefire and increased aid flows, fuel and firewood remain scarce and unaffordable for many.
Residents say searching for firewood is both costly and dangerous, while deadly Israeli strikes continue to be reported despite the truce. On Thursday, Israeli tank shelling killed four Palestinians east of Gaza City, according to Shifa Hospital officials.
Sanaa Salah, a mother of six living in a tent, said her family burns plastic and paper despite the health risks because they have no alternative. “Life is very hard,” she said. “We do not sleep at night from the cold.”
Others echoed the same desperation. Aziz Akel said his family has no income and cannot afford firewood, while his daughter Lina said he searches garbage daily for plastic to burn — “the basics of life.”
Aid agencies warn that without sustained access to fuel and basic supplies, Gaza’s displaced population will continue to face severe hardship as winter deepens.
