Full Breakdown
Severe Winter Storm Causes Casualties and Damage Across Israel and Gaza
1/16/2026, 10:51:01 AM
Overview of the Storm's Impact
A powerful winter storm swept across Israel and Gaza from January 12 to January 13, 2026, resulting in significant casualties, widespread flooding, and property damage. The storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snowfall, prompting emergency services to respond to numerous incidents across the region.
Casualties and Emergency Responses
In Israel, the storm claimed the life of a woman in her 50s in the Shuafat refugee camp, where she was critically injured by a heavy object during flooding. Emergency services reported several other injuries, including a 92-year-old man found unconscious in a Bedouin village and a 16-year-old boy who went missing after being swept away in the Nahal Modi'in stream. Search efforts for the boy were ongoing, with local emergency services involved in the rescue operations.
In Gaza, at least five Palestinians, including children, died due to the storm's severe conditions, which exacerbated already dire living situations following years of conflict and infrastructure damage. Reports indicated that a one-year-old boy succumbed to hypothermia, and three family members were killed when a wall collapsed onto their tent. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza was further highlighted by the UN, which noted that many families lacked adequate shelter and resources to cope with the storm.
Weather Conditions and Forecast
The storm was characterized by extreme weather conditions, including wind gusts reaching up to 110 kilometers per hour along the coast and heavy rainfall. Jerusalem recorded the highest precipitation, with 116.7 millimeters, while other areas like Majdal Shams and Haifa also experienced significant rainfall. Snowfall was reported on Mount Hermon, accumulating to approximately 15 centimeters.
The Israel Meteorological Service issued a red alert for the storm, warning of flash floods and hazardous travel conditions. Major roads, including parts of Highway 90, were closed due to flooding, and flights from Haifa Airport were canceled.
Official Statements and Responses
Emergency services across Israel reported a surge in calls for assistance due to the storm. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that flooding affected Hatzor Air Base but stated there was no operational damage. Local authorities urged residents to avoid flooded areas and take precautions against falling debris.
In Gaza, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestine, criticized Israel's handling of the humanitarian situation, stating that the storm's impact was exacerbated by the destruction of infrastructure and lack of adequate shelter for the population. She called for immediate international action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Israel's policies have pointed to the storm's devastating effects in Gaza as indicative of a broader humanitarian catastrophe. Humanitarian officials emphasized that the lack of adequate shelter and resources has left the population vulnerable to natural disasters. UNICEF reported a concerning rise in cold-related illnesses among children, attributing this to both the storm and the ongoing blockade that restricts essential supplies.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the storm subsides, forecasts indicate that temperatures will gradually rise, with lighter rain expected in the coming days. However, the aftermath of the storm has left many in both Israel and Gaza facing significant challenges, including recovery from injuries, property damage, and ongoing humanitarian needs. The situation remains critical, particularly in Gaza, where the impact of the storm has highlighted the urgent need for international humanitarian assistance and policy changes.
