What You Need to Know
• More than 92 percent of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed due to ongoing conflict.
• At least 850,000 people in Gaza require emergency shelter assistance, lacking basic materials for shelter.
• Continuing Israeli restrictions on critical materials hinder humanitarian organizations’ ability to provide necessary aid.
After over two and a half years of continuous bombardment, people in Gaza are experiencing a severe shelter crisis. The United Nations reports that more than 92 percent of homes have been damaged or destroyed, resulting in households without water or electricity and children sleeping in makeshift tents. Families are constructing shelters on the ruins of their homes or using plastic sheeting to cover collapsing structures. The Palestine Shelter Cluster indicates that at least 850,000 individuals require emergency shelter assistance, lacking essential items such as plastic sheeting and plywood. Ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of materials necessary for shelter repair and construction are preventing humanitarian organizations from adequately responding to the crisis, which was already exacerbated by a six-month blockade prior to the October 2025 ceasefire.
Why It Matters
The situation in Gaza is critical, with the ongoing conflict leading to extensive destruction of infrastructure and homes. The humanitarian crisis is compounded by restrictions on materials needed for rebuilding, which limits the ability of organizations to provide support. Historical context reveals that prior to the October 2025 ceasefire, Gaza had already faced significant challenges due to a blockade, making the current shelter crisis particularly dire. The scale of destruction and the urgent need for assistance highlight the broader implications for stability and recovery in the region.
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