The United Nations has called for urgent measures to meet the shelter needs of Gaza’s population, following the implementation of the January 19 ceasefire agreement. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasised during a press conference in Geneva the immediate need to assist Gazans in rebuilding their lives after unprecedented devastation.

“We must start immediately helping Gazans have a shelter,” Laerke stated, highlighting the critical importance of the ceasefire’s continuation. “Now is the time for great hope, but of course, no one should underestimate the complexities ahead, removing debris and disposing of explosive ordnance left behind by the war are some of these things,” he added.

The destruction caused by the war has left Gaza in ruins. According to the United Nations, Israel has destroyed 160,000 homes, with an additional 276,000 severely or partially damaged. This staggering figure means that 92% of Gaza's housing stock has been rendered uninhabitable. Many residents have resorted to constructing makeshift shelters as they await international assistance.

Laerke outlined the UN’s priorities, which include providing food aid, reopening bakeries, restoring health services, and repairing water and shelter infrastructure. “Hunger is widespread, people are homeless, diseases and injuries are common. There is a cloud of deep psychological trauma hanging over Gaza,” he noted.

The spokesman stressed the importance of rapid intervention to mitigate the humanitarian crisis, stating, “The sooner shelter is found, the better it’ll be. There is no time to waste.”

The international community's response will determine the pace of recovery for Gaza’s population, as they continue to endure the long-lasting impact of the war.