Gaza population faces severe crisis as 90% live in tents or rubble

The Gaza Strip’s Ministry of Social Development reports that over 90% of the population, approximately 2 million people, are living in makeshift tents, shelters, or among the rubble of destroyed homes. The demographic breakdown includes nearly 1 million children, over 108,000 elderly individuals, and roughly 47,000 widows. Additionally, about 65,000 children have lost one or both parents.

Critical shortages in medical supplies, beds, and clean water have left many, including the disabled and those with chronic illnesses like cancer or kidney disease, in precarious conditions. Inadequate sewage and drainage infrastructure have led to waste accumulation, increasing the risk of disease spread via rodents and insects. The lack of safe drinking water is forcing families to use unsafe sources, heightening waterborne illness risks among children and the elderly.

Restrictions on the entry of essential goods—including generator oil, vehicle parts, solar panels, fuel, and cooking supplies—are impacting transportation and vital sectors. Officials warn that the approaching winter season could exacerbate the crisis, as rain and wind threaten to flood makeshift camps and turn roads into mud, complicating movement and increasing injury risks.