UN Urges Urgent Shelter Aid as 90% of Gaza Homes Destroyed

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with nearly 90% of homes destroyed amid the ongoing conflict, leaving hundreds of thousands without shelter. United Nations agencies have renewed calls for the immediate entry of shelter materials to protect civilians from the approaching winter.

Aid deliveries continue through the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, where convoys of trucks loaded with food, medicine, and essential supplies are lined up to enter the Strip. However, restrictions on the entry of shelter materials imposed by Israeli authorities have severely hindered relief efforts, worsening living conditions for displaced families.

As temperatures fall, humanitarian organizations warn of rising risks for those living in makeshift tents and damaged buildings. The lack of adequate shelter has left many vulnerable to illness and exposure, compounding the suffering of civilians after two years of war.

Fuel shipments have also crossed through Kerem Shalom to keep critical infrastructure running. The fuel is vital for powering hospitals, water desalination plants, and sewage networks that provide essential services for survival.

Humanitarian agencies have urged the entry of heavy machinery to clear debris and restore basic infrastructure. Civil defense teams in Gaza continue to face enormous challenges due to widespread destruction and limited equipment.

Egypt has played a central role in coordinating humanitarian assistance since the start of the crisis. The Egyptian Red Crescent and partner organizations at the Rafah crossing continue to work around the clock to prepare and deliver aid to civilians across the enclave.