Another Winter Approaches: The Sea in Front, Death Behind for Gaza’s People

Gaza has been under attack by Israel for over 350 days now, and there are no signs of the war coming to an end anytime soon.

The war has been so brutal to the people of Gaza that they are left without food, water, and essential medical care needed for survival.

Beyond lacking these necessities, which are even more devastating, they have no homes to protect them.

The UN reports that 85% of Gaza’s population, totaling 1.9 million civilians, has been forcibly displaced due to Israel’s military operations.

The genocide by Israel has been so ruthless that they are bombing shelters, hospitals, and even areas where people have sought refuge in tents.

Thus, people are forcefully taking shelter on the brink of the sea. The conditions for those living by the water are dire, with their makeshift tents offering little protection from the heat and cold.

The Winter is Approaching in Gaza

The Gaza Strip experiences winters from December to March. With the location on the shore and minimal protection,  this winter is likely to be extremely harsh for the refugees living there.

Currently, during the day, they are building sand walls to protect themselves from high tides and prevent water from entering their tents.

But at night, the sand walls become useless. With the high tides rising after dark, water floods their tents, sweeping away whatever little they managed to save while escaping the war. 

What makes it even more heartbreaking is the rising tides that cause dozens of tents to sink into the sea, leaving families with nowhere to go.

Right now, the people of Gaza have sought refuge on the beaches of Khan Yunus and Bahar Al Wusqa. These areas are notorious for their high tides, making the situation even more dangerous.

“It was the worst night I’ve ever witnessed. The water was so deep last night, with massive waves reaching six meters high. There are still many children in the water.” — A survivor who endured the high tide on Khan Yunus beach.

As the waves flood the tents at night while people sleep, many belongings are swept away by the water, and tragically, it often carries small children with it.

With nowhere else to go, they are left battling the elements, the sea, and the endless uncertainty of what tomorrow might bring. 

What will be even more catastrophic are the upcoming winter months. The bitter cold, combined with the relentless sea breeze, will make survival even harder for those with little to protect them. 

With freezing winds from the sea ahead and death and destruction haunting them from behind in the city, the people of Gaza will face a season that may bring even more suffering than the war itself.

Mothers will struggle to keep their children warm with nothing but thin blankets and broken tents. The elderly, already weak, will find it nearly impossible to endure the biting cold. 

Each night, the temperature will drop, and the fear of not making it through till morning will hang over every family. 

The sea, which has already claimed so much, will become even more dangerous as the harsh winter storms roll in, threatening to wash away what little remains of their shelters.

With no escape, no warmth, and no safety, this winter could be the most brutal test of their resilience yet.

More Struggle Ahead of Stchoring Winters for Gaza Survivals

Winter is nearing, but it’s uncertain if those currently living in tents will survive through it.

The Israeli army is now attacking the very places where people have set up tents. Even refugee shelters are under bombardment. The people of Gaza don’t know where to go anymore.

There’s nowhere in Gaza where people haven’t been forced to take refuge. Conditions have worsened to the point where people are building tents in rubble, saying the area is already destroyed and no one will return here. For now, people are taking shelter in the ruins of broken homes.

The real question is, how are they surviving? After October 7, 2023, the last oil shipment arrived in Gaza, and since then, oil, gas, and other natural resources have been cut off.

Hospitals have no electricity for ventilators, no oxygen cylinders, and no clean water.

Death could come from any direction at any moment. For the people of Gaza, it’s a choice between falling into a pit or drowning in a well.

In the face of such relentless destruction, it is crucial for international bodies like the UN and humanitarian organizations to take immediate action. This is no longer a regional conflict but a full-scale humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention. 

Now, with Israel extending its aggression toward Lebanon, the situation is spiraling out of control. Lebanon’s involvement in supporting Gaza has only escalated tensions, and there is no telling how far the destruction will spread. 

For the sake of humanity, the global community must intervene now. The UN and international leaders must pressure for an immediate ceasefire and create safe humanitarian corridors to provide food, water, and medical aid. 

It’s time for the world to act, not just watch from the sidelines. This genocide must stop before Gaza is wiped off the map completely. 

Silence is no longer an option—every second counts. Lives are at stake, and the people of Gaza need the world’s help before it’s too late.