Gaza faces catastrophic housing crisis as 410,000 homes destroyed

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works and Housing reports that 410,000 housing units in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed, leaving more than 350,000 families without shelter. About 60 million tonnes of rubble block the creation of new camp sites, and roughly 150,000 families are living in dilapidated tents that require immediate replacement.

Current shelters are severely overcrowded and lack basic services. The ministry blames the ongoing Israeli occupation for preventing the implementation of the humanitarian protocol, restricting the entry of temporary housing units, construction materials, and the opening of crossing points. It calls for urgent international assistance to clear debris, provide land for temporary settlements, and allow the rapid delivery of shelter supplies.