Shelter Needs Increase in Gaza Amid Winter Conditions

Humanitarian agencies have intensified requests for Israel to facilitate the entry of additional tents and essential supplies into Gaza. This follows the onset of heavy winter rainfall, with reports indicating that over 250,000 families require emergency shelter assistance.

Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), stated that lives are at risk this winter due to shelter shortages. He also noted delays since the adoption of the Trump peace plan regarding humanitarian aid flow.

Current Situation and Displacement

A majority of the Gaza population, displaced by a two-year conflict, currently resides in tents, many of which are makeshift. Residents have engaged in cleanup operations following widespread flooding caused by a winter storm that commenced on Friday. Concerns exist regarding potential disease dissemination due to rainwater mixing with sewage.

Fatima Hamdona, a resident of Gaza City, reported her children were ill and described ankle-deep water inside her temporary shelter after the storm, stating food supplies like flour were affected.

In Khan Younis, Nihad Shabat reported her family's clothes, mattresses, and blankets were flooded. Her family is sheltering in an improvised structure of sheets and blankets, expressing concern about further flooding and inability to purchase a tent.

Aid Requirements and Obstacles

A UN report indicates that over 80% of buildings across Gaza and 92% in Gaza City have been destroyed. The NRC, which leads the Shelter Cluster (comprising approximately 20 NGOs), estimates that 260,000 Palestinian families (approximately 1.5 million people) require emergency shelter assistance, lacking essential winter provisions.

NGOs report that approximately 19,000 tents have entered Gaza since the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire on October 10. An additional 44,000 pallets of non-food aid, including tents and bedding, are reportedly awaiting entry, with supplies currently located in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel.

Jan Egeland attributed the delays to what he described as "a bureaucratic, military, politicised quagmire." In March, Israel implemented a new registration process for aid organizations operating in Gaza, citing security concerns. This process requires organizations to provide lists of their local Palestinian staff. Aid groups have stated that data protection laws in donor countries restrict them from submitting such information.

Items such as tent poles are classified by Israel as "dual-use," signifying both military and civilian applications, resulting in their entry being either prohibited or significantly restricted.

Responses and Future Planning

Cogat, the Israeli defense body overseeing border crossings, has not provided specific figures regarding imported tents. Cogat stated on X on Sunday that it had coordinated with the international community to facilitate the distribution of nearly 140,000 tarpaulins to Gaza residents over recent months for winter preparations. Cogat also called upon international organizations to coordinate additional tents, tarpaulins, and other winter humanitarian responses.

Cogat indicated collaboration with the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) established in southern Israel and other international partners to formulate a humanitarian response for the upcoming winter.

International aid groups anticipate that the CMCC, tasked with overseeing President Trump's Gaza peace plan, may alleviate operational restrictions. Ahead of an anticipated donor conference in Egypt for Palestinian reconstruction, they emphasize the need for immediate entry of basic shelter supplies while long-term plans are devised. Mr. Egeland, former UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated that immediate shelter needs must be met, highlighting that current tent requirements precede long-term reconstruction projects.

Distribution Challenges

Palestinians reported that tents supplied by international agencies and Gulf donors have been diverted to the black market in Gaza. Prices for tents reportedly decreased from approximately $2,700 before the ceasefire to $900-$1,000 following a modest increase in supply. Requests have been made for international assistance in equitable distribution of shelters.

Alaa al-Dirghali in Khan Younis stated that existing tents, having been in use for two years, were unable to withstand recent heavy rainfall. Residents are re-erecting damaged tents due to a lack of alternatives. Concerns were raised regarding the fair distribution of tents and reported instances of theft and high-priced resale. Rami Deif Allah indicated that tents did not provide adequate protection during rainfall.