SAFA — Nearly 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, representing 94% of the population, urgently need shelter assistance and essential non-food supplies, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned, as winter approaches and displaced families struggle to survive in increasingly dangerous conditions.

The staggering figures underscore the scale of Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe following widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure by Israeli forces, leaving hundreds of thousands of families without adequate protection from the elements.

According to UNRWA, 58% of Gaza's population faces critical or catastrophic shelter needs, with displaced families struggling to find safe accommodation after losing their homes.

With winter approaching, many Palestinians remain in overcrowded displacement centers or makeshift tents that offer little protection against heavy rainfall, strong winds and falling temperatures.

Unsafe Shelters Threaten Displaced Families

An UNRWA assessment covering 113 displacement sites identified 18 unsafe emergency shelters, including facilities at extremely high risk of structural collapse.

The findings highlight the dangers facing displaced Palestinians, including families who have sought refuge in damaged buildings and temporary shelters after being forced from their homes.

For those living in structurally unsafe facilities, the approaching winter raises further concerns about their safety as heavy rainfall and strong winds threaten already fragile structures.

Water and Hygiene Shortages Deepen Humanitarian Crisis

Beyond the shelter emergency, UNRWA warned that 84% of Gaza's population experiences frequent and irregular disruptions to clean water supplies, worsening living conditions for families already struggling with displacement and shortages of essential goods.

Limited access to clean water also poses serious public health risks, particularly for children, older adults and families living in overcrowded displacement centers with inadequate sanitation.

The agency further reported that 89% of households across Gaza face severe shortages of basic hygiene supplies, making it increasingly difficult to maintain sanitary living conditions.

The combined shortages of clean water, hygiene products and adequate shelter heighten the risk of disease and infection, particularly in crowded displacement sites.

As winter approaches, the findings underscore the urgent need for safe shelter, reliable access to clean water and essential humanitarian supplies for Palestinians struggling to survive amid Gaza's prolonged humanitarian emergency.