As winter descends on Gaza, over a million displaced Palestinians are grappling with dire living conditions, lacking adequate shelter against the cold and rain. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) reports that many families, left homeless by Israel’s relentless bombardments, are living in tents and makeshift shelters that fail to provide protection from the harsh weather. Some have resorted to sewing rice sacks together to create basic coverings. Alison Ely, NRC’s shelter specialist in Gaza, warned that the fragile shelters are ill-equipped to withstand strong winds, heavy rains, and temperatures as low as 6°C (42°F), further endangering the already vulnerable population.The cold weather has brought added risks of respiratory infections, as families burn hazardous materials like plastic to stay warm. Many, like 19-year-old Nagham, have described their situation as unlivable, with no blankets, mattresses, or access to heating. “We can’t call this a life,” she said, recounting her struggle to find food and water while enduring freezing nights in a tent. For displaced Palestinians, the challenges extend beyond shelter. Education remains inaccessible, and the lack of basic resources leaves many without hope of improving their conditions.Efforts by the NRC to provide aid—such as tents, blankets, and kitchen essentials—have helped over 120,000 people since October 2023. However, the scale of the destruction far exceeds the aid available, leaving millions in Gaza to face winter without the bare necessities. The combination of freezing temperatures, poor living conditions, and limited resources underscores the urgent need for international intervention to prevent further suffering.