39 dead, including 22 children, as Gaza infrastructure collapses — B’Tselem
February 25, 2026
A B’Tselem investigation finds that the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure by Israel contributed to 39 deaths, including 22 children, amid severe weather.
A muddy street in a Gaza tent settlement
The Palestine Chronicle reports on 24 February 2026:
Key Takeaways
- B’Tselem documents 39 Gaza residents, including 22 minors, died after severe winter weather compounded by destroyed infrastructure.
- Gaza’s essential infrastructure — already devastated by Israeli bombardment and blockade — left civilians exposed to floods and cold.
- The deaths occurred in December 2025 and January 2026 during storms, including Storm Byron.
- The report highlights systemic failure to protect civilian life and infrastructure essential for shelter, heating, water, and sanitation.
- The documentation calls attention to the broader context of destruction and continuing risk to Gaza’s population.
Devastating Winter, Devastated Infrastructure
A new report published by the Israeli rights group B’tselem on Monday reveals how severe winter storms in December 2025 and January 2026 turned into a death sentence for dozens of Gaza residents because essential infrastructure had already been destroyed by repeated military assaults and blockade.