Storm‑Hit Gaza Families Reinforce Tents With Salvaged Iron
A powerful winter storm has swept across the Gaza Strip, forcing Palestinians to salvage iron rods from destroyed homes to reinforce makeshift tents. In Gaza City's al-Jalaa neighbourhood, 55-year-old Ali al-Hajjar used a hammer to prise metal bars from concrete pillars. Since the 10 October ceasefire, his family of seven has received no tent or alternative housing. The practice of retrieving iron from ruined buildings has become widespread. The Hamas-run government media office warned that more than 288,000 families lack adequate shelter and estimated around 300,000 tents and mobile housing units are required. Residents like Abbas Saud said these improvised shelters are a temporary measure dictated by necessity.