Gaza Development: 1.5 million displaced face harsh shelter conditions

The Ministry of Social Development in Gaza warned of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced families, amid deteriorating conditions in shelter centers and a lack of basic necessities. It indicated that between 1.2 and 1.5 million displaced people are living in overcrowded and exposed camps lacking the bare essentials of life, and that 70% to 80% of tents and shelters have been damaged and completely worn out.

The Ministry of Social Development in the Gaza Strip warned on Monday, September 21, 2026, of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands of displaced families. The ministry said in a statement that UN reports reflect a critical humanitarian reality, noting that between 1.2 and 1.5 million displaced people are currently living in overcrowded and exposed camps lacking the bare essentials of life. It explained that about 70% to 80% of current tents and shelters have been damaged and completely worn out due to weather fluctuations and prolonged use. The ministry stated that the minimum requirement includes providing about 200,000 new tents and 300,000 plastic tarpaulins resistant to weather conditions. It called on international parties and humanitarian organizations to take urgent action and lift restrictions imposed on the entry of relief shipments, warning that the continuation of the current situation could lead to a worsening of the crisis and serious humanitarian repercussions.