Gaza humanitarian and shelter crisis

The Gaza Strip is facing significant challenges regarding shelter and infrastructure as the winter season approaches. The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works and Housing, led by Minister Ahed Bseiso, announced plans to prepare 23 new shelter centers to accommodate roughly 20,000 tents. This initiative involves coordinating with the United Nations Development Programme to repair housing, assess structural safety, and reopen roads. Efforts include the removal of 1.36 million tons of rubble from 62 sites, with some material being reused for road rehabilitation.

Despite these institutional efforts, displaced families face severe hardships. Many residents are entering their fourth winter in makeshift structures, such as tents and nylon sheets, which are often inadequate against dropping temperatures and storms. Residents in displacement camps, including those on the beaches of western Gaza City, report that heavy rain and wind frequently destroy their shelters. The high cost of replacement materials, ranging from 120 to 150 shekels, remains a barrier for families struggling to maintain protection from the elements.