Sandstorm Sweeps Through Gaza Refugee Camps, Sky Turns Orange

A sandstorm swept through several refugee camps in southern and central Gaza on Saturday, 14 March 2026. Strong winds collapsed emergency tents and scattered belongings of Palestinian refugees who have been sheltering at the sites for months.

The storm was reported to have affected the Khan Younis area through Gaza City. Thousands of residents in the temporary camps struggled to withstand the force of the wind and sand damaging their shelters. “Every time a gust of wind comes, the tents collapse,” said refugee Mouhamed Abu Harbid.

Amid the extreme weather conditions, the security situation in Gaza remained unstable. Israeli military operations, which had declined during the initial phase of the conflict with Iran, have reportedly intensified in recent weeks. Palestinian officials stated that at least 23 people have died in Gaza since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran on 28 February.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that a peace plan for Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump has been delayed since the outbreak of the conflict with Iran.