As colder weather sets in in Gaza, displaced Palestinians who fled their homes with few belongings are facing a new form of suffering, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reports from Rafah, southern Gaza.

“They are totally unprepared for the cold weather — no blankets, no heating, and no suitable clothing,” Mahmoud says. “We’re expecting heavy rainfall in the coming days and it’s getting increasingly difficult.”

In addition to the lack of heating, the shortage of medical supplies and sanitation means people are extremely vulnerable to winter illnesses.

“We’re looking at many children who are getting sick” and there is no medication to treat even common colds or flus, says Mahmoud.