World

‘Helpless’: The families facing winter in tents on the beach in Gaza

Al Jazeera November 05, 2026 13 views

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Families in Gaza are bracing for a harsh winter while living in makeshift tents along the beach, a situation that has drawn international attention to the region’s dire humanitarian conditions.

In a creative response to the lack of shelter and rising sea temperatures, local residents have begun repurposing damaged cooking pots as improvised seawater barriers. The pots, which would otherwise be discarded, are stacked on the shoreline to create a low wall that helps keep the sea out of the tents and reduces the impact of waves during the cold season.

According to reports from the area, the pots are filled with sand and secured with rope or other materials found nearby. This simple construction provides a modest shield against the sea, allowing families to maintain a dry living space and protect their belongings from flooding.

While the use of cooking pots is a small measure, it offers a tangible form of relief for those who have no access to more durable infrastructure. The initiative demonstrates how communities can adapt everyday items into practical solutions amid ongoing conflict and resource scarcity.

The situation on Gaza’s coast remains precarious, with many residents relying on temporary shelters and community ingenuity to survive the winter months. The pot‑based seawater barriers highlight both the resilience of the people and the urgent need for more comprehensive support.

<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>

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