Gaza's shelter crisis worsens as winter rains threaten displaced families
Repeated evacuations have left Gaza's makeshift shelters in poor condition, and shortages of durable materials and funding are hampering winter preparedness.
The ongoing conflict has caused repeated displacements, with some Gaza residents moved as many as eight times, each shift further degrading their temporary shelters, according to Karl Baker, the IOM's regional crisis coordinator. Basic items such as tarpaulins require replacement about every six months, but agencies cannot import sufficient quantities at the needed scale. Baker emphasized the need to transition from flimsy tents to more robust, transitional shelters, yet Israel's "dual-use" restrictions on materials like concrete and stronger roofing impede this effort.
Funding shortfalls and disruptions to international shipping, relying on suppliers from China, India and Pakistan, exacerbate the shortage. Currently, only roughly 30% of Gaza is reachable for most residents, forcing many into densely packed, flood-vulnerable areas as winter rains start, with humanitarian groups scrambling to deploy water pumps and mitigate flooding risks.
Why it matters
The deteriorating shelter situation threatens the safety of millions of displaced Gazans during the winter season.
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