Thousands of displaced people living in tents and among the rubble of destroyed buildings are struggling not only with a lack of food and water, but also with a heatwave that is making their living conditions even harsher.

Nida Abu Hamad, displaced from the northern Gaza Strip and a mother of three, lined up from 3 in the morning to get water.

She said she and her children are suffering from heat exhaustion and skin ulcers caused by the extreme temperatures, and the lack of medical treatment and ointments.

“My children cry day and night," said Abu Hamad, while using a tray to fan her baby.

Another woman, Hana Sowboh, also displaced from the northern Gaza Strip, had no choice but to sit next to a burning wood-fired oven to bake bread for her children, while her husband went to the border with Israel to collect firewood.

Riham Akel, another displaced woman, said that there is no adequate shelter to protect them from the heat, as the tents are made from plastic and cloth.

The heatwave came as the Israeli government decided to intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, stirring fears for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, and renewing international pressure for an end to the conflict.

Israel’s air and ground war has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine.