The downpour turned camps in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis into pools of mud and water, making movement nearly impossible, local media reported.

Floodwater seeped into many tents, endangering families and their few remaining belongings.

Cold weather has compounded the misery of children and the elderly, amid severe shortages of blankets, winter clothing and heating.

Weather conditions are worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis for hundreds of thousands of displaced people.