Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are facing severe hardships after a large sandstorm swept through, turning the sky orange and worsening the plight of more than two million displaced people living in tents with no shelter. Meanwhile, military operations continue, resulting in at least six more deaths over the past 24 hours.
On Saturday, 14 Mar 2024 GMT+7, a severe sandstorm hit the Gaza Strip, causing poor visibility and an intensely orange sky. Rescue units under the Ministry of Interior, managed by Hamas, issued warnings urging residents to firmly secure their tent structures to prevent wind damage and advised those with respiratory issues to remain indoors.
The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has displaced over two million people in Gaza, many of whom now reside in tents or damaged buildings that offer almost no protection from harsh weather conditions, including rain, strong winds, or sandstorms.
Ali Shurab, a Palestinian displaced from Rafah now living in a camp in Khan Yunis, expressed his frustration: "Living in a tent is humiliating; there are no words to describe it. We feel like we're suffocating from discomfort and hardship. The situation is too difficult to endure; even opening our eyes is a struggle."
Photos from the Associated Press show tents violently shaking in the wind, trees bending, and cars driving through thick dust clouds on the streets.
In addition to the natural disaster, Gaza's civil defense reported that in the past 24 hours, Israeli attacks have caused at least six more deaths. Before dawn on Saturday, two police officers and one civilian were killed in an attack in Khan Yunis city in the south.
Furthermore, on the evening of Friday, 13 Mar 2024 GMT+7, there were reports of attacks on civilians in the eastern Gaza City area, resulting in three fatalities. The bodies were taken to Al-Shifa Hospital, the main medical facility in the area. The Israeli military has not issued any comment on this recent incident.
The violence in Palestinian territories continues unabated despite a ceasefire declared on 10 Oct 2023 GMT+7. Tensions have intensified as Israel maintains air operations against Iran since 28 Feb 2024 GMT+7, part of the broader conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that is currently expanding.