Gaza's Deteriorating Shelters Struggle as Winter Approaches
Clara Whitmore | AFP
Repeated displacement amid ongoing conflict in Gaza has left shelters increasingly deteriorated, while funding shortages and material restrictions hinder necessary repairs ahead of winter, affecting around 1.9 million Palestinians.
The ongoing displacement of Palestinians due to Israel's sustained military actions against Gaza over the past three years has significantly deteriorated shelters throughout the enclave. According to Karl Baker, the regional crisis coordinator for Gaza response at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), many families have been displaced up to eight times, resulting in the destruction of tents and other temporary forms of accommodation upon each move.
Baker explained to media that this constant relocation not only destroys existing shelters but also necessitates the frequent acquisition of basic materials such as tarpaulins, which need replacement approximately every six months. However, humanitarian agencies have struggled to bring the needed supplies into Gaza at the scale required to meet demand.
The need for transition from temporary shelters to more durable options has been emphasized by Baker. Yet, procurement of materials necessary for stronger roofing, concrete floors, and substantial walls is being obstructed by Israel’s ‘dual-use’ policy over security concerns. These limitations, along with funding shortages, complicate the situation.
Obstacles in Securing Shelter Materials
As humanitarian needs escalate, IOM continues its dialogue with Israeli authorities to secure the entry of critical materials. Nevertheless, Israeli security policies have restricted some of the most durable materials from entering Gaza. Funding shortages further exacerbate these challenges, disrupting efforts to ship supplies from countries like China, India, and Pakistan.
Though funding has recently started flowing, it remains inadequate to fully satisfy the shelter needs of Gaza’s affected population, estimates of which range from 1.8 million to 1.9 million people. Baker noted the extent of Gaza's accessibility issue, revealing that only about 30% of the region is manageable by the bulk of the population, pushing displaced individuals into densely populated and flood-prone areas.
With winter already underway, humanitarian organizations are racing against time to address flooding risks by deploying water pumps and bolstering resilience against seasonal rain.
Insufficient Supplies Amid Ceasefire
The challenges faced by Gaza’s displaced have been compounded, as more than half of available tents and makeshift shelters were reported to be in poor condition as of earlier this month. A ceasefire has been in place since October 10, 2025, yet Israeli offenses and limitations on humanitarian supplies persist.
The IOM has reported that current and incoming shelter provisions cover merely 17% of Gaza’s needs for the winter season. This gap highlights the critical state of Gaza’s infrastructure and the urgent necessity for international humanitarian aid and policy revision.
As humanitarian work continues, the reality faced by Gaza is severe. Baker remarked on the daunting task ahead, warning that getting displaced Palestinians through the winter remains an acute challenge.
Challenges of Urban Governance in Conflict Zones
The situation in Gaza underscores the complexities of urban governance in conflict zones, where the capacity to maintain infrastructure meets significant obstacles. The blockade of vital materials illustrates a critical challenge in balancing security measures with the humanitarian imperative of sheltering displaced populations. Cities in conflict zones must develop strategies that harmonize security with essential services provision.
For urban leaders worldwide, the Gaza case provides a stark lesson in emergency preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Long-term solutions must transcend temporary fixes, requiring cooperative international policies to allow the entry of necessary materials while ensuring local governance structures are equipped to anticipate and address cyclical crises. The effective response to such situations not only supports immediate needs but strengthens the broader framework of human security and urban stability.
Questions That Matter
What conditions are Gaza shelters currently facing?
Gaza shelters are facing significant deterioration due to repeated displacement over the past three years. Approximately 1.8 million to 1.9 million Palestinians require shelter assistance, and the existing shelters provide coverage for only 17% of winter needs.
How has the conflict impacted Gaza’s shelter supplies?
Due to ongoing Israeli restrictions and material shortages, only 30% of Gaza is accessible for shelter materials, with durable components blocked over security concerns. This has disrupted the supply chain critical for repairing and upgrading shelters.