Sandstorm Hits Gaza
GAZA – Dust-laden winds swept across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, compounding the suffering of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in dilapidated tents after their homes were destroyed by Israeli strikes.
Journalist Muhammad Rabah from Gaza reported that stormy weather conditions spread across the entire region. Sand and dust penetrated tents and made daily life even more difficult in shelters that lack even the most basic protections.
Displaced residents – particularly those suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses – voiced concerns about deteriorating health conditions caused by the storm, especially given the absence of adequate preventive measures and medical care in the fragile shelters.
Despite a ceasefire agreement, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has shown no tangible improvement due to Israel’s failure to fulfil its commitments under the accord. Israel continues to block the entry of shelter materials such as tents and mobile homes, as well as construction equipment needed to rebuild destroyed infrastructure.
The agreement ended large-scale aggression that lasted nearly two years, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries and causing massive destruction throughout the Gaza Strip.
Palestine Chronicles reported that two Palestinian civilians were killed and two others wounded at dawn on Saturday following an Israeli strike targeting a police office west of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza. Medical sources identified the victims as Ahmed Mohammed Al-Maghrabi (35) and Musab Ghazi Al-Raqab (43).
This strike represents part of Israel’s violations of the ceasefire agreement reached in October.
Previously on Friday evening, three Palestinians, including two teenagers, were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a group of civilians in Shuja’iya, east of Gaza City. Medical sources stated the victims were hit by Israeli missiles whilst on Mushtaha Street. The victims were identified as Mahmoud Saher Al-Siqli (17), Younis Sa’ed Ayad (17), and Abdullah Tayseer Shomer (20). Their bodies were transferred to Al-Ma’madani Hospital in Gaza City, according to medical officials.
Palestinian sources cited by Quds News Network stated the strikes occurred in areas outside Israeli control, despite the ceasefire agreement. Israel continues to occupy more than 50 per cent of the Gaza Strip under the terms of the ceasefire.
Since the agreement took effect, Israeli shooting and strikes have continued almost daily. Palestinian sources report these violations have resulted in 651 Palestinian deaths and 1,741 injuries.
Between 7 October 2023 and 7 March 2026, more than 1,060 Palestinians, including at least 231 children, were killed in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, by Israeli forces or settlers. This reflects a significant increase in violence in the region alongside the genocide in Gaza.