Extreme heat worsens humanitarian conditions in Gaza

Soaring summer temperatures are worsening already difficult living conditions for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, where many are sheltering in makeshift tents with limited access to water and ventilation.

The temporary shelters, many of them constructed from synthetic materials, trap heat and provide little protection from the intense summer temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The local meteorological service said average temperatures during the last week of July and the first week of August were around 2 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm. In recent days, daytime temperatures have ranged between 33°C and 35°C, with above-average heat expected to persist throughout August.

The extreme weather is adding to the challenges facing displaced residents, many of whom have been living in temporary camps for months amid ongoing humanitarian difficulties.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas was reached in January 2025 through mediation by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. The deal was designed to be implemented in two phases, beginning with a halt in hostilities, the release of detainees, expanded humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. The second phase envisaged further steps toward ending the conflict and determining the future governance of the Gaza Strip.

On July 30, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that an agreement had been reached providing for the complete disarmament of Hamas.

By Sabina Mammadli