First major winter rains pummel Gaza and destroy makeshift shelters

The Israeli defense body in charge of humanitarian aid in Gaza has said it is allowing in winterization materials including blankets and heavy tarps, but aid organizations warn the efforts are far from sufficient when winter temperatures plummet and the wind whips off the Mediterranean. They still hold the remains of three hostages, which Israel is demanding before progressing to the second stage of the current ceasefire that took effect on Oct. 10. The next and even more challenging stage calls for the implementation of a governing body for Gaza and the deployment of an international stabilization force.