Shelter in precarious structures
Three years of conflict have left broad swathes of Gaza’s built environment damaged, forcing many families to take refuge in apartment blocks and other structures that show visible signs of wear, cracking or partial collapse. Residents who remain say they have little choice but to share cramped, unsafe spaces as more stable housing and formal shelters are scarce.
Limited alternatives
With public infrastructure strained and displacement prolonged, people displaced by fighting report being turned away from overcrowded communal centres or finding them inadequate for long-term habitation. Many cannot afford to move elsewhere, have lost property records, or fear returning to their original neighbourhoods because of ongoing insecurity and damage.
Humanitarian concerns
Humanitarian organisations working in the area have repeatedly highlighted the dangers posed by makeshift sheltering in compromised buildings, pointing to the risks of structural failure, electrical hazards and limited access to water, sanitation and health services. Those living in these conditions are particularly vulnerable in adverse weather or in the event of further damage from hostilities.
Outlook and needs
Aid groups say that without sustained funding for emergency shelter, repairs and safer alternatives, families will remain exposed to the hazards of damaged dwellings. Longer-term reconstruction and protection measures will be required to reduce the risk of collapse and to provide displaced people with more secure housing options, but progress has been hampered by the scale of destruction and limited resources.