Gaza lives in sprawling tent camps as war devastation persists three years on
Three years after Israel's offensive began, most of Gaza's population is homeless, surviving in extensive tent settlements while intermittent strikes continue.
More than one in ten Gaza residents have been killed or wounded since Israel launched its war in October 2023, leaving almost the entire population without homes. Families now live in ramshackle tents that stretch across beaches, former agricultural fields and empty spaces, creating one of the world’s largest temporary settlements. Although a 2025 cease-fire paused major assaults, Israeli forces continue to strike tents, vehicles and buildings, often resulting in civilian deaths, including women and children.
The ability to rebuild is hampered by Israel’s restriction on construction supplies. Planned large-scale reconstruction under the cease-fire agreement has stalled, as Israel and Hamas have yet to resolve disarmament and troop withdrawal issues.
Why it matters
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza highlights the long-term human cost of the conflict and the stalled path to reconstruction.
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