Severe Heatwave Intensifies Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Temperatures in Gaza have surpassed 40 degrees Celsius, exacerbating the plight of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals residing in makeshift camps devoid of electricity or access to clean water, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reported on August 14, 2025.
As the agency highlighted, “With very limited water available, dehydration is increasing,” emphasizing that amidst ongoing bombings, forced displacements, and a dire lack of electricity and fuel, “there is no relief from the extreme heat” in the Gaza Strip.
Conditions are further aggravated by reports from the Palestinian Meteorological Department (PMD) indicating that temperatures are 8 to 9 degrees above the annual average, posing heightened health risks, particularly for individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses or dust allergies.
The ongoing heatwave is forecasted to persist through Thursday, with a slight dip expected on Friday; however, temperatures are predicted to remain 4 to 5 degrees higher than normal for this time of year, according to PMD.
Temperatures in #Gaza are soaring above 40°C, making an already desperate situation far worse.
With very limited water available, dehydration is increasing.
Bombardments and forced displacement continue. With limited electricity and fuel, there is no relief from the extreme… pic.twitter.com/hLp98YeW7J— UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 14, 2025
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 88% of the Palestinian enclave is under forced displacement orders or has descended into a militarized zone governed by the Israeli army.
Rafah, situated in the south, had initially been designated by Israeli authorities as a site for evacuations until a military operation commenced on May 6, 2024, which resulted in the displacement of 1.4 million people from a total population of 2.1 million toward the southern coast of Mawasi and other regions in Gaza.
In the overcrowded Mawasi area, approximately 425,000 people are living in tents without access to electricity or clean water, according to OCHA, reports 24brussels.
